Japan wary of new conflict ‘flashpoints’ in East China Sea over coastguard law: analysts

The Japanese government anticipates further escalatory moves by the Chinese coastguard in the disputed waters in the East China Sea after Beijing began enforcing a new law allowing for the detention of anyone entering what it considers to be its maritime territory, a situation analysts warn could create new “flashpoints” for conflict between the two countries.

Beijing claims sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, but that is disputed by Tokyo, which refers to the territory as the Senkaku archipelago and presently exercises administrative control over the uninhabited islands.

Under the revised Chinese law, which went into effect on Saturday, coastguard officials are permitted to detain for investigation anyone who has intruded into China’s territorial waters for up to 30 days. That period can be extended for an additional 30 days if the investigation is considered to be complex.

Tokyo has been watching developments around disputed islands and atolls in the South China Sea, a number of which have been claimed by Beijing and occupied by Chinese troops. At present, the Second Thomas Shoal has become the focus of tensions in the region, with China and the Philippines reiterating their claims to the territory and Chinese vessels using water cannons against Philippine vessels.

The concern in Japan, analysts say, is that a similar scenario could play out around the Diaoyu Islands.

“In late November last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the headquarters of the coastguard in Shanghai, which has responsibility for the East China Sea,” said Masayuki Masuda, head of the China Division at the National Institute for Defence Studies in Tokyo.

“Xi clearly ordered the unit to strengthen ‘law enforcement operations’