Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels confront each other near disputed islands
Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels faced off near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, with both sides claiming they successfully expelled the other’s vessels from waters they consider their own.
According to the Japan Coast Guard, two Chinese coast guard ships approached a Japanese fishing vessel near the islands, prompting Japanese patrol ships to escort the fishing boat and force the Chinese vessels to withdraw. Japan said four Chinese coast guard vessels were operating in the area, with two entering what Tokyo considers its territorial waters.
China’s Coast Guard rejected Japan’s account, saying it was a Japanese fishing vessel that had illegally entered waters around the Diaoyu Islands. Beijing said its coast guard issued warnings and took necessary measures before driving the vessel away.
The Senkaku Islands (Japan) — known as the Diaoyu Islands (China) — are an uninhabited island chain claimed by both countries and remain one of the region’s most sensitive maritime flashpoints. No clashes or injuries were reported during the latest encounter.