A recent maritime confrontation between Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels near disputed islands in the East China Sea underscores deepening diplomatic tensions, exacerbated by a senior Japanese politician’s recent controversial remarks regarding Taiwan.
Both nations’ coast guards offered conflicting reports of the incident, which saw vessels from each side operating in close proximity. This latest flare-up highlights the ongoing territorial dispute over the uninhabited islands.
Japan Coast Guard (JCG) stated it intercepted and expelled two Chinese coast guard ships. These Chinese vessels had approached a Japanese fishing boat in waters Tokyo considers its own.
In contrast, the China Coast Guard (CCG) asserted that a Japanese fishing boat “illegally intruded” into what Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. A CCG spokesperson indicated Chinese vessels issued warnings and employed “necessary law enforcement measures.”
Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesperson, called on Japan to “immediately cease all infringing and provocative actions in these waters.”
The JCG confirmed its patrol boats ensured the safety of the Japanese fishing vessel. Chinese vessels departed the area hours after being ordered to leave in the early morning.
This maritime incident follows a period of heightened friction between Beijing and Tokyo. Relations soured last month after a senior Japanese politician made contentious statements concerning Taiwan.
In November, influential lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, known for her critical stance on China, suggested Japan might consider military action if China were to attack Taiwan.
Beijing views self-governed Taiwan as its own territory, to be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. Such comments routinely provoke strong reactions from China.
The Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, are a persistent flashpoint. While Japan administers them, China also claims sovereignty.
Despite a 2008 agreement between Japan and China to jointly exploit resources in the East China Sea, tensions have steadily intensified for over a decade.
Last year marked the third consecutive year of record-high observations of Chinese government vessels in the disputed waters. This continuous presence is widely seen as an attempt to test Japan’s resolve in defending the islands.