Around the World: Japan

More troops to E.China Sea

Japan is considering deploying more troops off its southwestern shores to defend a group of disputed islets in the East China Sea, an official said yesterday.

Defense officials are studying an overall troop realignment to focus more on the southwestern waters, including sending an army unit to Yonaguni island near the uninhabited Senkaku (Diaoyu) islets that are claimed by both China and Japan, a Ground Self-Defense Forces spokesman said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said yesterday that China hopes Japan's moves will be helpful for peace and stability in the region.

(China Daily 07/03/2009 page16)