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DNA
7 January 2010
Hong Kong: China is showing new signs of assertiveness on
its maritime borders with two neighbours — Japan and Vietnam. Twice in just the
past week, China’s territorial muscle-flexing have given rise to a deep sense of
disquiet about its intentions as an ascendant military power in Asia.
On Thursday, China challenged Japan’s plans to build a port on Okinotori
atoll, about 1,800 km south of Tokyo. “Infrastructure-building will not change
the legal position (of the atoll),” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang
Yu said.
Japanese media reports had noted earlier this week that plans were afoot to
build a port on Okinotori, where Japan already has a lighthouse and other
facilities; the port infrastructure would help with exploration for resources in
the area.
China’s objection is motivated by a concern that it would lose access to the
waters and area around the atoll if the Japanese port comes up. It argues that
the atoll does not measure up to internationally acknowledged criteria to be
recognised as an island.
The action came barely days after China stepped on Vietnam’s toes, by
asserting its claims of “indisputable sovereignty” over a disputed group of
island in the South China sea, parts of which it had seized from Vietnam in 1974
following a maritime battle.
The archipelago is situated about mid-way between China and Vietnam, and the
area is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas reserves, in addition to
fishing resources. Other countries, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia
and Taiwan also lay claims to parts of the archipelago.
China had also controversially announced plans earlier this week to develop
tourism in the region, including in the disputed islands. Vietnam’s foreign
ministry had protested China’s plan, noting that it would “violate Vietnam’s
sovereignty”, “escalate tension” and “complicate the situation.”
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