Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War II. “It will train with the US Navy in the South China Sea,” he added, asking not to be identified because he is not authorised to talk to the media. Japan does not have any claim to the waters, but has a separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea. Japan’s flag-flying operation comes as the United States under President Donald Trump appears to be taking a tougher line with China. Japan in recent years, particularly under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has been stretching the limits of its post-war, pacifist constitution.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 13, 2017 10:41 UTC