Japan deploys large patrol ship near Senkakus

Japan has deployed its newest patrol ship to boost security around the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The 1,300-ton patrol boat entered Ishigaki Port in Okinawa Prefecture on Tuesday. Members of the Ishigaki Coast Guard Office boarded the vessel to inspect the helicopter landing pad and other equipment, according to Japanese (NHK WORLD) Website. The Ishigaki station is the Japan Coast Guard''s closest outpost to the Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by China. This is the 3rd large patrol boat the Japan Coast Guard has deployed in the area and it hopes the additional vessel will help it to respond more quickly to any incidents. Tension over the islands increased after a Chinese fishing boat rammed Japanese patrol vessels in September last year. Chinese surveillance ships have been frequently sighted around the Senkaku Islands. In August, Chinese vessels entered Japanese territorial waters near the islands.