11.   Growing caution within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party coupled with the rapid collapse of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in November prevented Japan from sending the vessel.

12.   It was not immediately clear if the military vessels were sent as part of a plan to launch a rescue operation.

13.   No decision had been taken on how many vessels might be sent, they said.

14.   On Tuesday, Taiwan announced it would send naval vessels to the Spratlys.

15.   On Tuesday, Taiwan announced it would send naval vessels to the islands.

16.   The official, who spoke on the customary condition of anonymity, would not say how many Japanese coast guard vessels had been sent to the area.

17.   Admiral Enrique Molina Pico, chief of the navy, said no Argentine military vessel had been sent to the scene.