The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced today it deployed vessels against the Japanese fishing boat Zuiho Maru. The CCG accused the boat of "illegally entering Chinese sovereign waters" off Xichiwei Island, part of the Senkaku/Diaoyu island group, a key point of contention between Beijing and Tokyo in the East China Sea.
A CCG spokesperson stated that Chinese coast guard vessels used "necessary control measures" to force the Zuiho Maru to leave. Japan calls Xichiwei Island "Taisho Jima".
The CCG demanded that Japan "immediately cease all actions" it deems "infringing and provocative in the relevant waters".
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Japanese coast guard vessel (left) and China Coast Guard vessel in the Senkaku/Diaoyu area in 2024. Photo: Reuters
Conversely, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) reported that two Chinese coast guard vessels approached a Japanese fishing boat operating in the area. The JCG "issued orders and compelled the Chinese coast guard vessels to leave Japan's sovereign waters".
The JCG then deployed patrol vessels around the fishing boat to ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew.
Japan stated that four Chinese vessels were initially in the area, with two entering waters claimed by Tokyo. The JCG asserted that the Chinese coast guard's activities "violated international law".
"We will continue to respond calmly and resolutely, in accordance with international and domestic law, and take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the waters under the country's jurisdiction," the statement read.
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Location of the Senkaku/Diaoyu island group and Taiwan. Graphics: AFP
The Senkaku/Diaoyu islands are an uninhabited group in the East China Sea, currently controlled by Japan. Both China and Japan claim sovereignty over these islands. Following Japan's nationalization of Senkaku/Diaoyu in 2012, Chinese government vessels have increased their presence near the island group.
Tensions between the two nations over the island group's sovereignty have persisted for years. Japanese coast guard vessels frequently encounter Chinese coast guard and fishing boats in the area. Both sides routinely demand the other leave the disputed waters.
Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Global Times, AFP)
