A Chinese navy fleet commanded by a powerful destroyer has begun a 12-day sail of Japans main islands, signalling a display of military might as tensions over Taiwan boil and Japan prepares to host the G7 leaders next week. On April 30, the fleet, which included the Type 055 guided missile destroyer Lhasa, a smaller destroyer, a frigate, and a supply ship, began its clockwise tour. The Japanese Defence Ministry produced a map depicting the fleets movement from the Tsushima Strait through the Tsugaru Strait and onto the Izu island group south of Tokyo on Thursday.Chinese Warships Circle Japan, Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Prepare for Spring Patrol – USNI Newshttps://t.co/S2gZN6f5GR pic.twitter.com/EkHSGm6EEo— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) May 9, 2023While Chinese state-run publications continue to claim that the navy expedition is a routine practice in accordance with international law and is not intended to attack any particular country, it is perceived as an important message to Japan in light of recent provocative statements about Taiwan. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasised the importance of the Taiwan Strait stability and peace for both Japan and the international community. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japans Foreign Minister, raised a protest with Beijing over comments made by Chinas envoy, who warned Japan that it would be “dragged into the flames” if it tied Taiwan to its security.Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (Image: Twitter)Minister Hayashi said in an interview that Japan is in talks about setting up a NATO liaison office in Asia, signalling a dramatic shift in regional security priorities following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The timing of the Chinese naval fleets actions, shortly before the G7 summit in Hiroshima, is significant since the Japanese hosts hope to discuss East Asian safety problems during the event. Prime Minister Kishida is expected to emphasise the message that the present events in Ukraine may have ramifications for East Asia, notably the possibility of China invading Taiwan.The possible impact of Chinese provocationsAnalysts are concerned about the timing and path of the Chinese naval drill, which is seen as a move by China to demonstrate military force. According to John Bradford, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, such activities damage trust and intensify regional tensions. Despite Chinas aims to discourage Japan from extending security cooperation with the US and other Western partners, James Brown, a political science professor, argues that the show of power may have an adverse impact, prompting Japan to enhance its ties.
