Japan's military overseas plan raises concerns

Effective communication urged to prevent unforeseen circumstances

Japanese scholars and former officials are calling for effective communication between security experts from Japan and China and close exchanges between the governments of the two countries to enhance mutual trust, resolve issues through dialogue, and prevent unforeseen circumstances.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, or JMSDF, recently said it will dispatch a special security unit to the so-called "Indo-Pacific" region in May or later to help the coast guards of those countries enhance their inspections of suspicious ships. Details regarding the destination of the unit and duration of the mission have not been disclosed.

This will mark the first time a special unit of SDF provides support for foreign agencies.