Japan Not Leaving South China Sea Issue

Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada reiterated the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) intention to continue cooperation with the United States in the South China Sea.

Earlier this week, Inada expressed concerned about China's behavior in the East and South China Seas.

"Japan on its part will increase its engagement in the South China Sea through, for example, Maritime Self Defense Force joint training cruises with the U.S. Navy, bilateral and multi-lateral exercises with regional navies, as well as providing capacity building assistance to coastal nations," Inada shared.

"I would like to underline my government's resolve to protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty," said Inada. "To this end, we will continue our own defense efforts and also maintain and enhance the Japan-U.S. alliance."

The involvement of Japan in South China Sea dispute has drawn China's attention and it reportedly warned Tokyo that it would risk China's wrath by engaging in freedom of navigation patrols (FONOPs) in the region.

The Diplomat reported that "Ambassador Cheng Yonghua, China's envoy to Japan, reportedly told Japanese officials that Japanese participation in U.S. Navy-led FONOPs would cross a "red line.""