Japan's troop movement won't affect fishermen

“Our government's stance is that we will not comment Japan's plan, as it is an internal affair,” Peter Tsai, secretary-general of the MOFA's Association of East Asian Relations, said at a regular press briefing.

“As to the concern in some quarters that the plan could affect the operations of our fishermen in the area, my personal view is that it will not,” said Tsai.

Matters pertaining to foreign ships in the Yonaguni Island area fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and the Japan Coast Guard, he said. However, the Taiwan Foreign Ministry will keep a close eye on developments in the area, he added.

It was reported in the media that the Japanese government is considering dispatching troops to Yonaguni Island in response to requests by the residents there.

Some reports have also stated that the United States is mulling sending troops to Yonaguni as well, but according to Tsai, that is unlikely as Yonaguni Island is not as strategically important as Okinawa and the U.S. military base in Naha, Okinawa can cover all of its defense and reconnaissance missions in the region.

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