Thu, August 30, 2012
Japan's House of Councillors passed on Wednesday a bill designed to allow the Japan Coast Guard to respond swiftly to such incidents as foreigners' illegal landing on remote islands in the country.
The bill to amend the Japan Coast Guard law was approved by a majority vote at the Upper House's plenary session.
The revised law allows coast guard officers to undertake criminal investigations and make arrests on remote islands where police can hardly reach even by helicopter or boat when crimes are committed. Under the old law, the coast guard was only given the maritime policing authority.
A list of specific islands to come under the coast guard's jurisdiction will be made public within 20 days before the revised law takes effect.
According to government sources, some 20 islands and island groups would be listed, including the Diaoyu Islands.
(Agencies)
