April 13, 2010
The head of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force is urging continued close watch of Chinese naval activity in the East China Sea and waters around Japan.
Chief of Staff Keiji Akahoshi told reporters on Tuesday that apart from Saturday's development, Chinese naval vessels have passed between Japanese islands in the north and south on 4 occasions since last year.
He said this indicates that China's navy can deploy in the Pacific Ocean, due to upgrading of its equipment over the past few years.
Akahoshi also said he asked the Chinese side via a diplomatic channel to confirm last week's close encounter between a Chinese military helicopter and a Japanese destroyer.
He said the helicopter was flying at an altitude of 30 meters, and came as close as 90 meters in front of the destroyer, jeopardizing the ship's safe navigation.
2010/04/13 18:48(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
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