Japan to begin antipiracy operations under new law
Japan's Self-Defense Forces will begin antipiracy operations off Somalia around next Wednesday under a new law that took effect Friday to authorize them to escort commercial ships of any nationality, regardless of their connection to Japan.With the law coming into force, the legal basis for Maritime Self- Defense Force operations will be switched from the maritime police action provision of the SDF Law to the new antipiracy law, which was enacted on June 19.Under the new law, MSDF destroyers will be allowed to open fire on pirate boats that, despite warning shots, close in on commercial ships....