Japan yesterday backed the United States sailing warships close to disputed land in the South China Sea, but said it had no plans to send its own maritime forces to support the operation. Last month Washington infuriated Beijing when the USS Lassen guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of at least one land formation claimed by China in the disputed Spratly Islands chain. Chinese authorities monitored and warned away the vessel, but did not otherwise intervene, although Beijing later summoned the US ambassador and denounced what it called a threat to its sovereignty.

Japan won’t send troops to disputed seas. (2015, November 23). The Philippine Star, p. 13.