Diaoyu Islands: Japan claims 27th Chinese intrusion of year near disputed East China Sea islets
- Japan’s coastguard said patrol vessels ordered three Chinese ships to immediately exit the waters near the disputed islets early on Wednesday morning
- Chinese vessels, including two that appeared to be equipped with autocannons, have now been spotted near the islets for 14 days in a row, it said
The Japanese coastguard said the intrusion, the 27th this year and the first since September 8, off the uninhabited islets – administered by Tokyo as the Senkakus but claimed by China – occurred around 3.15am after the ships tracked three Japanese fishing boats.
Japanese patrol vessels ordered the Chinese ships to immediately exit the waters near the islands, a long-time source of tension between the countries, with neither side in the mood for a grand celebration on the key political anniversary.
The intrusion violated international law and Tokyo has lodged a stern protest with Beijing, a Japanese government spokesman told reporters.
Describing Beijing’s action as “extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable,” Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki said at a press conference that Japan will continue to take a “cool and decisive” approach in dealing with China.
Boat used by Hong Kong activists in voyage to Diaoyu Islands a decade ago sinks
In addition to the three ships, it said three other Chinese vessels, two of which appeared to be equipped with autocannons, were seen sailing in the zone.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Defence Ministry said late on Tuesday that a total of seven Chinese and Russian naval vessels were confirmed to be sailing near the Izu Islands, south of Tokyo, in the Pacific Ocean.
