The China Coast Guard yesterday said it had “expelled” a Japanese ship from waters around the Diaoyutais (釣魚台).
The uninhabited islands — which are known as the Senkakus in Japan — are claimed by Taipei and Beijing, but are administered by Tokyo.
China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun (劉德軍) said that a Japanese fishing vessel had “illegally entered territorial waters” around the islands from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Photo: Coast Guard Administration / AFP
The coast guard “took necessary control measures in accordance with the law, warned [the ship] and expelled it,” Liu said in an online statement.
“The Diaoyu and affiliated islands are China’s inherent territory and we urge the Japanese side to immediately stop all illegal activities in these waters,” he said.
“Chinese coast guard ships will continue to carry out maritime rights protection and law enforcement activities ... to safeguard national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests,” he added.
The Japan Coast Guard said that its patrol ships were monitoring four China Coast Guard vessels near the islands.
It said that a Japanese fishing boat had been operating about 10km west of the largest landmass in the group as of 9am on Wednesday.
Beijing has said several times this year that it has driven Japanese vessels away from the islands.
However, Japanese officials have said that Chinese authorities sometimes announce expulsions when none have occurred.
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