Affected by Beijing’s expansionism, Japan says it opposes China’s ‘unilateral attempts to change status quo’ – Defence News of India

SOURCE: TIMES NOW

In a show of support to India, Japan, on Friday slammed china for its attempts to ‘unilaterally’alter the status-quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. Tokyo’s envoy in New Delhi, Satoshi Suzuki said that he had a conversation with Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla about India’s efforts to peacefully resolve the ongoing border impasse with China.

“Had a good talk with FS Shringla. Appreciated his briefing on the situation along LAC, including GOI’s policy to pursue a peaceful resolution. Japan also hopes for a peaceful resolution through dialogues. Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” Suzuki said in a tweet.

Earlier today, PM Modi visited Ladakh and interacted with troops posted in the forward areas.

Japan can now share defence intelligence with India

In what has further endorsed Japan’s urge to strengthen ties with India, Tokyo recently revised legislation which allows it to share defence intelligence with India, Australia and UK. So far, the legislation allowed info-sharing only with its ally the US.

Japan has also been one of the countries that have been affected by China’s expansionist policies in the South China Sea. According to reports, Chinese Coast Guard vessels have been patrolling Japan’s Senkaku islands for the past 80 days. China refers to the Senkaku islands as Diaoyu islands. Japan is one of the many east Asian nations affected by China’s aggressive stance in the Pacific region.

Japan is the latest to support India in its battle against Chinese aggression. Days ago, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said that territorial battle was increasing in the Indo-Pacific region. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has minced no words in acknowledging Chinese expansionism and said that Beijing’s expansionist policies are a concern of present times.

Last Sunday, protests were held in Japan’s capital Tokyo seeking replacement of Chinese President Xi Jinping with a responsible and democratically elected leader.