Chinese Coast Guard Expels Japanese Fishing Vessel Near Diaoyu Dao

The China Coast Guard (CCG) “expelled” a Japanese fishing vessel from waters near Diaoyu Dao, East China Sea, asserting China’s "territorial sovereignty" over the area, on Thursday.

A CCG spokesperson, Liu Dejun, stated that the vessel had “unlawfully” entered the waters surrounding Diaoyu Dao, which China claims as its inherent territory.

CCG ships implemented control measures and issued warnings, driving the vessel out of the area. Liu emphasized, "Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory," urging Japan to halt "illegal activities" in the disputed waters. The spokesperson also reaffirmed China’s intention to continue regular enforcement actions to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the area.

The incident near Diaoyu Dao coincided with heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where CCG and navy vessels reportedly confronted Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal. On December 4, a Chinese CCG ship fired water cannons and collided with the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a vessel operated by the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The clash occurred 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea. According to Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of the Philippines' National Security Council (NSC), the confrontation involved both CCG ships and vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Malaya described the actions of Chinese ships, including blocking and shadowing Philippine vessels, as provocative and escalatory. He stressed the Philippines' right to deploy naval resources to protect its territorial claims. “The Philippines reserves the right to respond to any acts that undermine its maritime sovereignty,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced plans to continue regular patrols in the disputed waters to ensure the security of Philippine territorial claims.

These incidents reflect ongoing maritime disputes in the East China Sea and South China Sea, where competing claims have led to frequent confrontations between China and neighboring countries.