Japan aims to increase patrols in gas field dispute

Japan plans to dramatically increase the number of boats and planes patrolling a gas field disputed with China in the East China Sea, an official said, amid high tension between the neighboring nations.

The Japan Coast Guard is asking the finance ministry for about 28.7 billion yen (HK$1.85 billion) in its budget for fiscal 2006 to upgrade and increase the patrol boats and planes.