Japan's Defense White Paper Criticizes China on the East Sea

Japan's Ministry of Defense has officially released its 2016 Defense White Paper, which includes criticism of China regarding the East Sea.

The 2016 Defense White Paper has 484 pages divided into 3 parts: The world security environment including Japan; Japan's defense and security policies and the Japan-US alliance; Efforts to protect the lives and property of the people and Japan's territory, territorial waters, and airspace.

Japan Defense White Paper.

In addition to assessing Japan's security situation, the White Paper also analyzes and assesses the security situation of countries and regions in the world and the positive and negative impacts on Japan's national security and defense, and Japan's security stance on regional and world security issues.

In the Chapters and Sections of the White Book, there are many pages and sections that deal withbehaviorChina's unilateral actions in the East Sea and East China Sea. The book continues to criticize China's unilateral actions in the East Sea, clearly stating the time when it built runways and reclaimed islands in the East Sea.

Regarding China's refusal to recognize the Arbitral Tribunal's ruling regarding the Philippines' lawsuit against China over "nine-dash line”, the White Paper states: “Based on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the judgment issued by the Court [Permanent Arbitration in The Hague (PCA)] is the final decision, adjudicating the parties to the dispute according to the law, therefore, the parties must comply with the judgment of the Court”.

Inside page of Japan's Defense White Paper.

The book also emphasizes: “Today, as a country with great influence in the international community, China needs to clearly recognize its responsibilities in the international community. Along with implementing and respecting international norms, it needs to play a more active role in regional and global issues.”

Regarding China’s actions in the East Sea and the East China Sea, the White Paper stated: “These actions of China are becoming a concern for regional and world security, including our country (meaning Japan). Therefore, strongly requesting China to be transparent in military matters, respect international regulations… is an important topic” for Japan.

Japan's Defense White Paper is published in late July or early August every year./.

According to VOV