China’s coastguard has reported it ordered a Japanese fishing vessel to leave its territorial waters after it “illegally” entered a disputed area near the East China Sea islands.
A spokesperson for Beijing’s coastguard confirmed on Thursday that they “took necessary control measures in accordance with the law, warned [the ship] and expelled it” during the incursion near the Diaoyu Islands, which Japan refers to as the Senkaku Islands, on October 15-16.
“We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop all illegal activities in these waters,” spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement.
Japan has not yet responded to the latest incident in the disputed waters.
The Japanese government has consistently rejected China’s claims over the uninhabited islands, which are believed to have potential undersea oil and gas reserves.
Tensions between Japan and China in the disputed waters have been high, with several confrontations in recent months.
In April, China’s coastguard confronted Japanese lawmakers conducting an inspection near the islands, an act China described as “infringement and provocation.”
In June, Japan filed a protest against Beijing after Chinese vessels, allegedly armed with cannons, entered what Japan claims as its territorial waters.
Beyond the East China Sea, China also asserts expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, leading to confrontations with Southeast Asian nations, particularly the Philippines. These tensions have raised concerns about the potential for conflict.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China’s claims to the South China Sea, declaring them invalid under international law.
Additionally, Beijing’s growing assertiveness around Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has led to increased military activity in nearby waters, further heightening concerns in Japan.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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