Chinese Coast Guard Confronts Japanese Lawmakers Near Disputed Islands

Chinese coast guard vessels confronted a delegation of Japanese lawmakers near the disputed Diaoyu Islands (known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan) in the East China Sea.

The confrontation occurred during an inspection mission organized by the city of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture.

According to statements from the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and Japanese media reports on Sunday, the Chinese vessels took unspecified law enforcement actions, expressing concern over perceived "infringement and provocation" by Japan near the Diaoyu Islands, which are claimed by Beijing.

The Japanese delegation, which included former Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, spent approximately three hours near the islands, deploying drones for observation. The Japan Coast Guard vessel intervened to deter the approaching Chinese vessels during the visit, according to Japan's NHK public broadcaster.

"In light of the severe security situation, both the government and the public are aware," stated Inada, a senior official of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as reported by NHK. "The Senkaku Islands are our sovereign territory, and it's essential to conduct research by visiting."

This marked the first inspection trip to the area involving a member of Japan's parliament since 2013, as noted by NHK.

Tensions between Japan and China have frequently flared around the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but also claimed by China.

The Chinese Embassy urged Japan to adhere to previously reached consensus between the two countries, cease political provocations and on-site incidents, and refrain from inflaming public sentiment.

China has called on Japan to "return to the right track of properly managing contradictions and differences through dialogue and consultation to avoid further escalation of the situation."