May 21 (NHK) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged his commitment to ensuring the rule of law at sea.
Abe spoke at an event in Tokyo on Sunday to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Coast Guard.
He observed exercises involving 36 ships and 16 aircraft. One drill was based on the scenario of a person falling into the sea and being rescued by a helicopter.
Abe told Coast Guard officials that foreign vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands, and the situation remains tense.
He also said that boats found drifting in the Sea of Japan are likely to have come from North Korea.
Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.
Abe also said maritime security can be ensured by Japan's own efforts to protect its peace and security and through coordination with other countries to create and strengthen an international maritime order.
Source: ANNnewsCH
