Japan is now increasing tensions in the region as it is deliberating on an apt response to Beijing’s enactment of a new coast guard law. There has already been a growing belligerence of China in the East and South China Sea.

Japan fears that the new Chinese law which allows Beijing’s coast guard to attack foreign ships that it sees as illegally entering its waters, will target their Japanese vessels navigating around the Senkaku Islands.

As per the new law, China’s coast guard can now forcibly remove buildings constructed by foreign countries on territories claimed by the country and authorizes the use of water cannons, handcuffs and tear gas to force a vessel to stop and be boarded.

Tokyo had conveyed its ‘strong concerns’ to China over the new law authorizing military force in the waters. China must not use the legislation, in a way that goes against international law, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato.