To defend its offshore islands and territorial waters from a potential Chinese attack, the Japanese government plans to simplify the rules of engagement for its Self-Defense Forces, reports the Tokyo-based Asahi Shimbun.
Under this new procedure, any member of the Japanese cabinet can order the deployment of Japan's military in emergency situations, with a simple telephone call. This was a power previously confined to the Coast Guard. Theoretically, they would be able to call in Japan's destroyers were a standoff over the disputed Diaoyutai (Senkaku or Diaoyu) islands to happen in the East China Sea again.
Read the full story at Want China Times