Pentagon: remarks supporting Tokyo’s claim on Diaoyu Islands sovereignty ‘were an error’

• Concerns are growing over an escalation of tensions as Chinese coastguard vessels have been spotted near the islands in the East China Sea
• Coastguard law allows the Chinese coastguard to use weapons against foreign ships it sees as illegally entering China’s waters

Associated Press and Kyodo
Published: 5:11am, 27 Feb, 2021

US Defence Department spokesman John Kirby said on Friday his recent remarks supporting Tokyo’s claims over the sovereignty of the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea were an “error” and apologised for any confusion.

“There is no change to US policy regarding the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands,” the press secretary said, using the Japanese name for the uninhabited islets and apparently referring to Washington’s position of neutrality over who has sovereignty over them.

“I do regret my error,” he added.

Kirby had said on Tuesday during an off-camera press briefing: “We hold with the international community about the Senkakus and the sovereignty of the Senkakus, and we support Japan obviously in that sovereignty.”

He was responding to questions on the situation in the waters near the islets, where concerns are growing over an escalation of tensions as Chinese coastguard vessels have been spotted following the recent implementation of Beijing’s controversial coastguard law.

The law explicitly allows the Chinese coastguard to use weapons against foreign ships it sees as illegally entering China’s waters. Kirby said on Friday that US President Joe Biden and other administration officials have offered reassurances to Tokyo regarding the country’s “unwavering” commitment to the defence of Japan under Article 5 of the bilateral security treaty, which includes the Senkakus.

“The United States opposes any unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo,” he said.