Japan nationalizes 273 islets, aims to develop dozens of outposts amid territorial rows

‘Tokyo has adopted a program aimed at reversing population decline at over a hundred sparsely populated outposts, and has formally claimed another 273 uninhabited islands, de facto under its control, amid China’s growing territorial ambitions.
“As a maritime country, we must take long-term, systematic measures to protect, maintain and expand peace, security and our maritime interests,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated during a meeting of the maritime policy task force on Friday.
The comprehensive development program envisions building administrative and transport facilities on 148 islets in borderline areas in accordance with the law on the ‘Preservation of Remote Island Areas,’ which took effect last week.
By providing a boost to the infrastructure of the islands, the Japanese government hopes to curb the depopulation of the islands, which they say is a threat to national security.’
Read more: Japan nationalizes 273 islets, aims to develop dozens of outposts amid territorial rows