China gives it’s coast Guard power to use arms

Beijing: Chinese government has approved sweeping new powers for its Coast Guard to deal with foreign ships inside what it claims to be it’s territorial waters. Starting February 1, the Chinese coast guard will be allowed to forcibly remove foreign ships, and even use weapons against ships that don’t comply. The coast guard has also been given authorisation to unilaterally take down structures built by foreign entities or individuals in waters or on islands claimed by China. These new laws could accelerate tensions between China and Japan, especially regarding the Senkaku Islands in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. The Senkaku islands are controlled by Japan but China and Taiwan lay claim to them.

As per a report by NHK news Chinese government ships are seen near the islands on a regular basis. There have been incidents where Chinese vessels have entered Japanese waters and chased Japanese fishing boats.

China’s coast guard vessels have increased in size recently, and its activities near the Senkaku islands in the South China Sea have intensified.