Tokyo: Tensions between China and Japan increased again on Tuesday after both countries accused each other of violating territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
China said its coast guard expelled what it called an illegal Japanese fishing vessel operating near the islands, which China refers to as the Diaoyu. In a statement, Beijing said the fishing boat entered its waters without permission and that Chinese patrol ships took action to remove it.
Japan immediately rejected the claim and said the fishing boat was in waters under Japanese authority. The Japan Coast Guard said it sent its own patrol ships after two Chinese coast guard vessels approached the Japanese vessel. Tokyo said the Chinese ships were operating dangerously close and were warned to leave.
There were no reports of damage or injuries, but the exchange has raised concern as both countries continue to strengthen their maritime patrols in the area.
The Senkaku Islands are a group of uninhabited islets controlled by Japan but claimed by China. The dispute has remained unresolved for years and incidents like this are becoming more common.
Analysts say the latest confrontation comes during a period of rising political tension. Japan’s recent statements about defending Taiwan if it is attacked have angered Beijing and may be contributing to more assertive Chinese patrols.
Earlier in November, Japan reported that multiple Chinese coast guard ships entered waters near the islands in what it called one of the longest intrusion attempts of the year.
Both countries have deployed larger patrol vessels in recent years and maritime experts warn that repeated close encounters increase the risk of an accident or miscalculation.
Diplomats from both sides have not yet announced any official dialogue regarding the incident. However, regional observers say international pressure may grow for China and Japan to create communication channels to prevent further escalation.
The latest confrontation adds to wider concerns about stability in the western Pacific, particularly as tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea remain high.