JAPAN/CHINA: U.S.-Japan military drills resume despite territorial dispute with China
Record ID:
466706
JAPAN/CHINA: U.S.-Japan military drills resume despite territorial dispute with China
- Title: JAPAN/CHINA: U.S.-Japan military drills resume despite territorial dispute with China
- Date: 6th November 2012
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (NOVEMBER 5, 2012) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG FLYING CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN HONG LEI WALKING IN FOR REGULAR NEWS CONFERENCE JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN HONG LEI SAYING: "We believe the overall trend in the region is every country is seeking peace, development and cooperation. Relevant activities are aimed at highlighting the military security agenda, which is not conducive to increasing regional mutual trust in safety, nor is it in line with the trend of regional development." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS
- Embargoed: 21st November 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: Conflict,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA2R3WN5I95FKACAB20AWIGWJSN
- Story Text: Japan and the United States continued their biennial joint military exercises for a second day in Japan on Tuesday (November 6), in a move likely to further anger China as tensions remain high over a territorial dispute in the East China Sea.
More than 37,000 military personnel from Japan joined around 10,000 U.S. troops in the November drill that started on Monday (November 5), said the Japan's Self-Defence Forces official.
The 11-day drills are aimed at boosting the defence of Japan's southwestern island territories. The exercise was initially planned to simulate an island re-occupation, but was scrapped to avoid further angering China.
The uninhabited islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu by the Chinese, are claimed by both countries and are the source of simmering tensions between the two nations.
The islands, which are believed to hold rich oil and gas deposits, are also claimed by Taiwan.
China is closely watching the planned operations.
"We believe the overall trend in the region is every country is seeking peace, development and cooperation. Relevant activities are aimed at highlighting the military security agenda, which is not conducive to increasing regional mutual trust in safety, nor is in line with the trend of regional development," China's foreign ministry spokesman, Hong Lei said on Monday.
In recent weeks, both Japan and China have sent patrol ships to waters near the uninhabited islets, raising concerns that an unintended collision could develop into a larger clash. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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