The number of large China Coast Guard vessels has more than tripled over the past eight years, according to an annual report released by the Japan Coast Guard on Wednesday.
The JCG has increased its vigilance in response to the rise in the number of large and armed CCG vessels.
According to the Japan Coast Guard Annual Report 2021, the number of CCG ships with a full-load displacement of 1,000 tons or more -- categorized as a large vessel -- increased from 40 in 2012, to 82 in 2014 and 131 in 2020. These figures are JCG estimations based on publicly available Chinese information.
The JCG spotted an autocannon-equipped CCG ship for the first time in December 2015.
Last year, CCG vessels were seen inside the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture for a total of 333 days, a record high. Currently, four CCG ships, including an autocannon-equipped vessel, are navigating in the zone almost every day.
"It is possible that the command capability of CCG vessels has increased and that China's intentions are being reflected more in their activities," said Satoshi Nakajima, 64, a former JCG commandant. "The JCG needs to strengthen cooperation with relevant organizations."
-- 2 CCG ships leave Japanese waters
Two CCG ships that intruded into Japanese waters off Minamikojima island in the Senkaku Islands on Monday morning had left the area by 8:47 a.m. on Tuesday.
According to the JCG's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha, the two vessels were in the contiguous zone off the island as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
CCG ships have been navigating in the zone for 88 consecutive days since Feb. 13.
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