Chinese coast guard vessels patrol disputed Diaoyu Islands waters again

Chinese coast guard vessels have resumed patrols in the waters surrounding the disputed Diaoyu Islands, also known as the Senkaku Islands, escalating tensions with Japan. The Chinese Coast Guard announced that a fleet of its vessels, including the Meishan ship, conducted patrols within the waters it claims as its "territorial sea" on Tuesday.

This incursion follows a confrontation between Chinese and Japanese patrol boats in early July. According to Japan's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha, four Chinese vessels entered waters claimed by Japan around 4 p.m. Tuesday and exited the "territorial sea" into the contiguous zone around 5:45 p.m. The Japanese coast guard demanded that the Chinese ships leave the area.

This incident marks the 15th day this year that Chinese official vessels have entered the waters near the Diaoyu Islands. Chinese coast guard ships have been frequently sighted in waters around Taiwan and Japan recently. In early June, they intruded into the exclusive economic zone south of Japan's Yonaguni Island, asserting jurisdiction.

The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the patrols are "legally carried out maritime rights protection activities." However, Japan maintains its claim over the islands and has repeatedly protested the incursions. The ongoing presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed waters highlights the persistent territorial disputes in the East China Sea.

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legally carried out maritime rights protection activities