Japan expands its territory

[yanpa]

Volcanic eruption creates new land off coast of Japan
If not eroded, new island 620 miles south of Tokyo could cement Japanese sovereignty in regional dispute with China

A volcanic eruption has created a new island in the sea about 620 miles south of Tokyo.

The new islet, which is about 200 metres (660 feet) in diameter, has risen just off the coast of Nishinoshima, a small, uninhabited island in the Ogasawara chain, which is also known as the Bonin Islands, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The estimated 30 islands in the chain running 620 miles (1,000km) south of Tokyo, lie on the seismically active Pacific Plate known as the "Ring of Fire".

...geographically-challenged report continues...

First time I've heard of Sino-Japanese territorial issues that side of the Ryukyus...

[wagyl]

At least it didn't blame it on a political landslide to the hawkish right.

I doubt that volcanic activity which appears from the photo to be less than 100m from existing territory could cement any sovereignty claim ... but then again the report also suggests that the number of islands in the Ogasawaras are unknown precisely but can be estimated at 30. If you don't know whether there are 29, 30 or 31 then your claims are pretty flimsy. Yes, I know it is just Grauniad sloppy journalism. And it shits me that I seem to need to proactively explain ironic statements here.

[Coligny]

First time I've heard of Sino-Japanese territorial issues that side of the Ryukyus...

You know... With the current madness of chinese claims, there's days where you might want to check your passport before going take a dump in your loo... They seems to have the 'toddler approach' concerning territorial claims...
'If i can touch it, it's mine. If i can see it, it's mine. If I want it, it's mine'

[yanpa]

BBC video link: Japan's newest island still increasing in size

[Russell]

Volcanic island grows more than 11fold

A remote Japanese island in the Pacific Ocean has grown more than 11 times in size since an underwater eruption started about 15 months ago.

The eruption started in November 2013 near the island Nishinoshima in southernmost Tokyo, and created a separate island. The eruption continued, and lava connected the 2 islands.

On Monday, Coast Guard patrol aircraft said a crater was spewing out volcanic rock 5 or 6 times per minute, sending smoke about 1,200 meters high.

Infrared footage taken by a Coast Guard vessel showed molten lava flowing from the crater.

Coast Guard officials said the size of the island is now 2.45 square kilometers. It measures 1,950 meters east to west and 1,800 meters north to south.

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Want to buy...

[wagyl]

Volcanic island grows more than 11fold

Want to buy...

That is some pretty hot property.

[Russell]

Volcanic island grows more than 11fold

Want to buy...

That is some pretty hot property.

Hoping my grand-children can make some money off it...