China’s Coast Guard Patrolled Disputed Waters Near Diaoyu Islands

China’s Coast Guard announced on Tuesday that it conducted patrols in the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, a group of territories situated in the East China Sea. These islands are claimed by China, Japan, and Taiwan, leading to longstanding disputes among the nations involved.

In response to China’s actions, Japan’s coast guard issued a bulletin stating that it had been actively urging the four Chinese vessels to vacate what Japan considers its territorial waters. Japan refers to these islands as the Senkaku islands, and tensions have historically run high over their ownership.

According to reports from Japan’s coast guard, the four Chinese vessels complied with the demands and exited the waters within a span of two hours. Subsequently, the vessels sailed northward, away from the contested area.

This recent incident marks the first time Chinese coast guard vessels have entered these waters since January 27, according to Japan’s coast guard reports, indicating ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the region.