Japan Coast Guard

Philippine officials say such joint exercises with U.S. forces do not target any country. But Beijing says increased U.S. security deployments in Asia target China and undermine regional stability.

Two recent changes highlight the multifaceted role the JCG will continue to play in Japan’s defenses.

Under Abe, the JCG has evolved into a vehicle for global diplomacy as well as defending Japanese interests.

Far from being a source of conflict, coast guards can help bolster cooperation between states.

The Japanese government aims to increase its naval capabilities to address a wide range of threats and risks.

In postwar Japan, the coast guard has taken a leading role in defending maritime interests.

The incident comes as Japan and China agreed to expedite talks on a East China Sea air and sea communication mechanism.

Exercises highlight one aspect of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries.

The Japanese defense minister says the Chinese submarine spotted near the Senkaku islands was a Type 093 nuclear attack submarine.

The incident is the first of its kind in 2018.

Tokyo’s capacity-building assistance is part of a broader trend of continued security cooperation in the Duterte era.

Japan continues to bolster its maritime law enforcement capabilities in the East China Sea.