Japan deploys US-made coast guard drone to monitor Chinese vessels around disputed islets: Report

ISTANBUL

Japan is using a large US-made coast guard drone, the SeaGuardian, to track Chinese vessels around disputed islets in the East China Sea, the Kyodo news agency reported on Monday.

Citing sources, the agency suggested that the operation of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone near the disputed Senkau Islands, is apparently intended to showcase “Japan's resolve not to tolerate any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea.”

China Coast Guard ships patrolled near the Senkaku Islands, claimed by China as Diaoyu, on 355 days in 2024, a record since Japan took control of the uninhabited islands in 2012, the report said.

The sources noted that the drone has flown over the islands several times since April, monitoring Chinese vessels and capturing images.

The drone may also be used for issuing warnings to Chinese ships not to enter Japan’s territorial waters, the sources added.

The Japan Coast Guard, which currently operates three SeaGuardian drones, has not revealed its drone operations around the Senkakus.