China and Japan step up drone race

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http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC130109-0000085/China-and-Japan-step-up-drone-race-as-tension-builds-over-disputed-islands

Drones have taken centre stage in an escalating arms race between China and Japan as they struggle to assert their dominance over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Tensions over the islands - called the Diaoyu by China and the Senkaku by Japan - have ratcheted up in past weeks. Chinese surveillance planes flew near the islands four times in the second half of December, according to Chinese state media, but were chased away each time by Japanese F-15 fighter jets.

China is rapidly expanding its nascent drone programme, while Japan has begun preparations to purchase an advanced model from the United States. Both sides claim the drones will be used for surveillance, but experts warn the possibility of future drone skirmishes in the region's airspace is "very high".

Neither side has shown any signs of backing down.