Former Japanese House of Representatives member Matsubara Masahito stated that a Chinese oceanographic survey vessel extended what appeared to be steel cables into the sea within Japan’s exclusive economic zone around the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China). The dedicated efforts of Japan Coast Guard personnel carrying out surveillance duties in the area are hereby sincerely acknowledged. However, it is difficult to accept this activity as mere oceanographic research. Chinese media have reported on patents related to underwater cable-cutting and operational technologies.
Is this not an act of interference with Japan’s lifeline—its undersea communication infrastructure—or data collection? In response to repeated incursions disguised as scientific surveys, a firm and resolute voice must be raised: "Enough is enough." Repeated expressions of regret will not safeguard our maritime domain. There is an urgent need for the government to strengthen legal frameworks for protecting critical infrastructure and implement decisive measures.
It is clear that our research vessels conducting scientific investigations within our own jurisdictional waters are exercising legitimate rights. Deploying mooring lines and underwater detection equipment is standard practice in marine geological and hydrological surveys. Submerged cables do not inherently constitute tools for damaging undersea communication cables. Possession of relevant technological patents does not imply intent to sabotage another nation’s communication systems.
Conjecturing malicious intent based solely on a patent is unfounded speculation, serving only as a pretext to amplify the so-called “China threat.” From our perspective, the more Japan provokes over the Senkaku issue, the more it inadvertently reinforces our de facto control over the islands. Given the deteriorating state of Sino-Japanese relations, there is no reason for us to remain restrained in the face of such provocations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876649073647627/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.