Chinese military ships conduct patrols near disputed islands, causing tension with Japan | Global News

Japan lodged a strong protest against Beijing on Friday after four armed Chinese coastguard vessels entered waters that Tokyo considers its territory. The Japanese government expressed concern over the intrusion of the Chinese vessels, which were carrying what appeared to be cannons, into the disputed waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the breach of international law, stating that it was the first time four Chinese vessels had entered Japanese territorial waters in such a manner. China’s coastguard defended its actions, claiming that the patrol was a routine measure to safeguard sovereignty and counter Japan’s recent “negative moves”.

In response to the incident, Tokyo lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels and called for the immediate withdrawal of the Chinese vessels from the area. The Chinese coastguard was urged to exercise caution and refrain from provocations in the region.

The tense standoff between Japan and China over the disputed islands has been ongoing for years, with both countries asserting their claims to the territory. The recent incursion by Chinese vessels has heightened tensions in the region, prompting Japan to increase its vigilance and monitoring of the area.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China has also been involved in disputes with neighboring countries such as the Philippines. The international community will be closely watching the developments in the region as the two Asian powers navigate their territorial disputes.