TOKYO (JAPAN) – Japanese parliamentarians came out with a draft proposal on Thursday urging the government to conduct military exercises with the US around a group of islands in the East China Sea administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.
The country’s ties with China have been strained because of the dispute over the islands, which are uninhabited. They are called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.
“The Defence Ministry should conduct joint drills with the United States around the Nansei Islands chain including Kuba island and Taisho island,” said the lawmakers’ proposal.
Kuba and Taisho comprise the Senkaku islands.
Tokyo published a white paper in July in which it said Beijing’s maritime and air forces have been enhancing their activities around the islets.
The lawmakers also seek more money, ships and personnel for the coast guard to protect the islands.