Chinese, Japanese Coast Guards Clash Over Diaoyu Islands

The China Coast Guard (CCG) expelled several Japanese vessels that entered the territorial waters of Diaoyu Islands between June 20 and 24, according to a statement released on Monday by CCG spokesperson Gan Yu.

Gan claimed that the CCG's actions were part of law enforcement operations within waters under China's jurisdiction. "We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop all illegal activities in these waters and ensure that similar incidents will not happen again," Gan stated.

Conversely, the Japan Coast Guard reported that four CCG vessels have repeatedly entered the 12-mile territorial limit around the Senkaku Islands since June 20, a chain of islands situated roughly halfway between Okinawa and mainland China. The latest incursion, the 23rd this year, occurred on June 23 when two Chinese vessels allegedly breached the 12-mile limit at 3:16 p.m. and 3:17 p.m. Both vessels remained in Japanese waters as of the next day. Two other Chinese vessels have intermittently crossed the territorial limit since last Thursday.

Japan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has lodged several complaints with the Chinese Embassy in Japan and with the Chinese government in Beijing.

The Senkaku Islands—comprising five uninhabited islets and three rocks 105 miles east of Taiwan—are administered by Japan but claimed by both China and Taiwan, who refer to them as the Diaoyu and Tiaoyutai Islands, respectively. The region is believed to be rich in natural resources, including fish, oil, and natural gas.

On Sunday, the first Chinese vessel crossed the territorial limit south-southwest of Uotsurijima, followed by a second vessel south of the same island. Both ships were trailing a Japanese fishing boat. A larger contingent of Japanese coast guard vessels confronted the Chinese ships, positioning themselves between the fishing boat and the Chinese vessels while warning them via radio and electronic message boards to leave the area.

A Japan Coast Guard spokesperson stated that Chinese ships have come within 12 miles of the Senkakus 34 times and stayed for a total of 42 days in 2023. The highest recorded number of incursions was in 2013, with 52 entries and 54 days spent within the territorial limits. Chinese vessels have been observed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the Senkakus for 186 consecutive days, marking a new record.

A new Chinese law, effective from June 15, allows its coast guard to detain foreign nationals intruding into Chinese territorial waters for up to 60 days.

In a related development, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated. On June 17, the Philippines accused China of a violent assault on its navy during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in the South China Sea. The CCG allegedly used weapons such as knives and axes against Philippine vessels, resulting in injuries to Filipino sailors, including one who lost a thumb. The Philippines' foreign ministry condemned the “illegal and aggressive actions” near Ayungin Shoal. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian claimed that the Philippines was secretly supplying building materials, weapons, and munitions, attempting to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao.