Balanced News: China steps up Coast Guard patrols near Japanese islands

Chinese vessels have intensified activities around Japan this week, sending a clear message of deterrence after Tokyo designated Beijing an unprecedented “strategic challenge” in its latest National Security Strategy. Japan has yet to respond but Tokyo has repeatedly accused Beijing of violating its sovereignty over the Senkaku islands. The Liaoning carrier group consists of two Type 055 large missile destroyers and a number of other vessels.