China, Japan coast guards clash near disputed islands

China’s Coast Guard said a Japanese fishing boat had entered waters near the Diaoyu Islands, which Beijing claims as its territory. Japan calls them the Senkaku Islands and administers them. A China Coast Guard spokesperson, Liu Dejun, said Chinese ships approached the vessel, warned it off, and took necessary law enforcement measures, urging Japan to stop what it called infringements and provocations.

Japan’s Coast Guard said it intercepted two Chinese ships that approached the fishing boat and ordered them to leave Japanese waters. The JCG patrol ship stayed with the fishing vessel until the Chinese ships left.

The incident comes amid rising tensions following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments last month suggesting Tokyo could take military action if China attacked Taiwan. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to “reunite” with it.

The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, uninhabited and located about 160 kilometers northeast of Taiwan, have been a longstanding source of friction. Both countries agreed in principle in 2008 to jointly develop resources in the East China Sea, but tensions have grown in recent years.

China has increased patrols near the islands, testing Japan’s readiness to defend them. Last year marked the third consecutive record year for Chinese government ship activity in the area. Prior to Tuesday, the China Coast Guard last entered the waters on November 16, calling it a lawful patrol to protect its rights and interests.

Analysts say the confrontation reflects the broader deterioration in China-Japan relations, with hostile rhetoric affecting both governments and citizens, reports UNB.