Tokyo has designated waters within a 14-mile radius of the Senkakus, also known as the Diaoyutai Islands, as its sovereign maritime zone, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Tuesday, local time.
Should Chinese warships enter the off-limits zone action would be taken, and Japan would promptly demand the departure of the Chinese boats.
Japanese officials had clarified its specifications to China, after a Chinese warship reportedly sailed near the Senkaku Islands in November.
Tokyo’s Coast Guard can engage in the protection of lives and property, Yonhap reported, but the response in the case of an armed attack would be far below a military-style “defense mobilization.” Weapons, however, could still be deployed in situations of self-defense or emergency evacuation.
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