Japanese media reports that Japan’s Ministry of Defense on Monday has set up a surveillance unit on Yonaguni Island which is just 100 kilometers from Taiwan’s eastern coast. The report indicated that the main purpose of the 160 member team is to use ground radar to monitor ships and planes in the area.
However there are rumors that one of the unit’s purposes is to monitor movement in the waters around the Diaoyutai Islands. The Diaoyutais are located 80 nautical miles north-northeast of Yonaguni Island. The Diaoyutai Islands are controlled by Japan but claimed by Taiwan, China and Japan. Many believe that relations among the three countries could once again be thrown into a tense situation as a result of Japan’s move.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) spokesman David Lo said Tuesday that the ministry is on top of the situation.
Lo said, “Our defense ministry is monitoring the situation where Japan’s defense ministry has set up a surveillance unit using radar on Yonaguni Island. We believe that Japan has its reason for setting up the radar. Our military will closely follow the development of the situation. We will also take necessary measures to ensure the protection of our military secrets.”
Taiwan’s foreign ministry is calling for all countries involved to work together for the stability and development of the region.
Meanwhile, the Association of East Asian Relations said that it hopes that Japan’s move will not be used in aggression. The association said that even though it is any country’s right to protect one’s own territory, it is not right to pry into other people’s activities.