US Says Will Help Japan Monitor ‘Unprecedented’ Chinese Incursion Around Disputed East China Sea Islands

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C Orion surveillance plane flies over the disputed islands, called the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea, on Oct. 13, 2011. Kyodo News via AP/File

TOKYO—The U.S. military will help Japan monitor “unprecedented” Chinese incursions around East China Sea islands controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing as Chinese boats prepare to begin fishing in nearby waters, the commander of U.S. Forces Japan said on Wednesday.

“The United States is 100 percent absolutely steadfast in its commitment to help the government of Japan with the situation,” Lt. Kevin Schneider said during an online press conference.