Japan Orders Chinese Coast Guard Vessels to Leave Disputed Waters
- The two nations continue to dispute sovereignty over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
- Japanese authorities reported that Chinese ships entered waters claimed by Japan on June 10, prompting a swift response.
TOKYO – Japan announced on Tuesday that it had compelled two Chinese coast guard vessels to depart from waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands, which are also claimed by Beijing. The incursion involved a Chinese vessel approaching a Japanese fishing boat operating in the area. The coast guard instructed the vessels to leave Japanese territorial waters by approximately 9:20 am GMT, successfully preventing any escalation.
The coast guard emphasized that the Chinese ships’ presence constituted a violation of international law and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity through calm and resolute measures under both domestic and international law.
Japan has repeatedly voiced concerns over China’s regular deployment of coast guard ships around the contested islands, which have historically been a flashpoint in bilateral relations. The incident follows recent statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which Beijing condemned and used to justify trade restrictions and travel warnings for Japanese citizens.
Chinese coast guard activity around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands is a recurring source of tension, as Beijing seeks to assert its claims despite Japan’s persistent protests. The East China Sea is believed to hold significant energy reserves, further intensifying the strategic stakes of these maritime disputes.
