Coast Guard Drill between Japan and Taiwan

The coast guard of Japan and Taiwan had a joint exercise offshore Japan, marking the first example since the both severed diplomatic relations in 1972. While the government of Japan emphasized the necessity maritime cooperation for rescuing in cases of accident, it is undeniable that the exercise had a meaning of preparing possible contingency in Taiwan Strait. The government of China firmly opposed the action between Japan and Taiwan. 

According to Japan Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration, the both sent their patrol vessels to the south of Boso Peninsula of Japan. The vessels of Taiwan usually support fishery boats in high seas for several times a year. One of the vessels, Hsun Hu #9, left a port in Taiwan in June and is planning to get back in August. After being refueled at Odaiba, Tokyo, the ship participated in the joint exercise for search and rescue with Japan’s patrol ship, Sagami, offshore Boso.

 

Japan severed diplomatic tie with Taiwan, when it concluded the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the People’s Republic of China in 1972. Japan and Taiwan exchanged a memorandum in 2017, which mandates the both to cooperate each other for search and rescue in the case of sea disaster. The drill was held based on the memorandum.

 

Since the both have no official relationship between defense organization to share information or visit each other, they had a few chances to coordinate joint activities in the sea. They have been restricting explicit cooperation, considering possible PRC’s opposition.

 

However, Japan is preparing for possible contingency in Taiwan Straits. The United States announced in the ministerial meeting with Japan that it would upgrade its force in Japan to a joint force headquarters to facilitate interoperability on joint operations in peacetime and during contingencies. “Contingency” includes one in Taiwan Straits. Japan already has decided that it will establish the Joint Operations Command in its Self-defense Forces.

 

It is necessary for Japan and Taiwan to share information in case of the contingency in Taiwan for evacuation of Japanese citizens. The drill between both coast guards is interpreted as a measure for cooperation with common notion about the possibility of contingency. It is likely that they are stepping forward to further cooperation. “We are seeking further deepening of our cooperation,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, in his press conference.

 

The PRC responded to the drill with firm opposition. The spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry urged Japan to adhere the one-China principle and refrain from supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist force in any form. Japan looks to be changing its stance not to stimulate the PRC.

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