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As China’s sway over Pacific islands grows, will Japan counter by coming to Palau’s aid?

  • Analysts think Tokyo will answer the island nation’s appeal for help monitoring Chinese vessels, as it has done so with others in the region

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Chinese research ships have repeatedly been sighted operating in marine zones claimed by Palau. Photo: Shutterstock
Palau is appealing to Japan for help monitoring Chinese maritime activity within its exclusive economic zone. Analysts say Tokyo has assisted other nations with similar challenges in the past and may be willing to do so again to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the region.
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The Pacific island nation’s national security coordinator, Jennifer Anson, described the “challenges” it has faced in recent years in an interview with Japanese national broadcaster NHK on Monday. Chinese research vessels have repeatedly been spotted operating not only within Palau’s EEZ, but also “hovering” dangerously close to the crucial underwater fibre optic cables that connect the remote territory to the rest of the world, she said.

Anson’s concerns don’t end there. She also noted that Chinese ships have been sighted conducting research activities in Palau’s extended continental shelf area – a development that has analysts worried.

“There are a whole host of non-threatening and legitimate activities that Chinese vessels could be carrying out in those waters, but the Quad countries are very worried that any research could have dual purposes,” said Ben Ascione, an assistant professor of international relations at Tokyo’s Waseda University, referring to the strategic security alliance between Japan, India, Australia and the United States.

“China could very well be testing the water to see how the Quad nations react and their commitment to the Pacific states,” he told This Week in Asia.

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“There is no reason to panic, but these nations need to be alert so that Pacific island countries do not turn to China, as we have already seen happen.”

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