Japan Protests 92-Hour Chinese Coast Guard Stay Near Senkaku/Diaoyu

Japan has protested a record 92-hour presence of Chinese coast guard vessels in waters near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, while China claims it expelled four Japanese fishing boats from the area.

China's coast guard stated that between March 21 and 24, it expelled four Japanese vessels from the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands. A spokesperson emphasized that Chinese authorities took "necessary control measures" and warned the Japanese boats to leave. Beijing reiterated its sovereignty over the islands, vowing to continue maritime patrols in the area.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have all along been China's territory. We urge the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in the waters around them," said the spokesperson.

Japan, however, reported that four Chinese coast guard ships remained within its claimed territorial waters for more than three and a half days, marking the longest stay since Tokyo nationalized the islands in 2012. The Japan Coast Guard said the Chinese vessels attempted to approach Japanese fishing boats and were armed with deck-mounted machine guns. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called the activity an escalation and protested to his Chinese counterpart.

The disputed islands, located between Taiwan and Okinawa, are believed to contain rich natural resources. The U.S. has reaffirmed that its security treaty with Japan covers the islands in the event of an armed attack.