Japan Coast Guard sets up anti-terror task force for G7 summit

The Japan Coast Guard set up a special task force on Wednesday to strengthen anti-terror measures ahead of the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, western Japan.

The summit will be held on May 19 to 21 at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.

Coast guard chief Ishii Shohei reminded members on Wednesday that their role is extremely important as the venue is on a waterfront. He emphasized the need to take every measure to keep dignitaries safe.

The coast guard says ships will be asked to stay outside a 300-meter perimeter surrounding the hotel venue between May 15 and 22.

Vessels entering waters near Hiroshima Port will be required to give prior notice. Those that navigate the waters without doing so will be subject to inspection.

The coast guard will dispatch patrol boats and aircraft to meetings of ministers and deploy officials at passenger terminals.

When Japan hosted a summit in Kyushu and Okinawa in 2000, a group of environmental activists entered a restricted area near the main venue in Okinawa.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230323_03/