Taking Distance from Southern Sea

Japanese newspapers reported that China had deployed surface-to-air missile on disputed Woody Island in Paracel Islands in South China Sea. Recognizing it as China’s another action to militarize the issues in the region, United States government is getting cautious on the situation of the sea. Afraid of further military escalation, Japanese government showed passive response on the issue.

U.S. Fox News firstly reported the deployment of the missile on Woody Island, followed by Taiwanese Ministry of Defense that confirmed missile batteries set up. Fox reported that a photo obtained from satellite caught eight batteries and radar systems there. After China took control of Woody Island in 1970s, Taiwan and Vietnam has been claiming its administration of it.

U.S. government sharply responded. “There is every evidence everyday that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another,” told Secretary of Defense, John Kerry. Kerry indicated that conversation with Chinese officials over the next days would be serious one. Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Harry B. Harris, expressed his concern on militarization of South China Sea, during his visit to Japan on Wednesday.

Chinese officials were ignoring dispute over the island. “It is just to deploy defensive equipment on our own territory. That is not militarization, but enhancement of defensive capability for our homeland,” told Hong Lei, a spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wan Yi, stressed that demilitarization should not target one country or be exercised with multiple principles, criticizing Western media as fabricating news.

As Japanese media reported, China has been frustrated with Operation Freedom of Navigation by U.S. Force around South China Sea. According to Asahi Shimbun, Chinese military leaders were shocked by flying of U.S. strategic bomber B-52 within 12 maritime miles of an island being developed by China last December. China also deployed anti-aircraft cannon in Spratly Islands, indicating countermeasures against U.S. military advance in the region.

Japanese government showed concern on the situation in South China Sea. “We cannot ignore China’s unilateral attempt of changing status quo,” told Minister of Defense, Gen Nakatani. He also criticized Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as not implementing his words of not militarizing the region. However, Japanese government is taking action within the line drawn in the past. Escalation in South China Sea can mean deeper involvement in the dispute in the region. Shinzo Abe administration cannot afford to deal with new military controversy, while it is focusing on handling economic policy.