China New Submarine & Warship Entered Japanese's Water

 
News Alert - China New Submarine & Warship Entered Japanese's Water

Japan's defense minister has expressed serious concern about a Chinese nuclear submarine traveling underwater in Japan's contiguous zone. He says China's move has unilaterally raised tensions.

Itsunori Onodera spoke to reporters on Monday, 4 days after the sub was spotted just outside Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. The government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

Onodera said nuclear-powered submarines are difficult to detect because they can remain far beneath the surface for extended periods.

Onodera said his ministry determined the vessel is a Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarine after observing its flag and shape when it surfaced.

He said the sub is believed to be capable of carrying cruise missiles, and he thinks they are long-range missiles.

Onodera said the ministry will continue to deal with the issue calmly and firmly. He said officials will also closely monitor the situation.