Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Enter Japanese Territorial Waters Near Senkaku Islands Amid Sovereignty Dispute
Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on February 10, according to Japan Coast Guard reports, while China described the activity as patrols in it
EAST CHINA SEA — Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on February 10, according to Japan Coast Guard reports, while China described the activity as patrols in its territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands.
Two vessels were observed west of Uotsuri Island, the largest in the chain, shortly after 4 p.m. within the 12-nautical-mile zone.
The other two were noted near Taisho, the easternmost islet. The vessels departed after approximately two hours, with those near Uotsuri exiting southwest of Minamikojima and the others southeast of Taisho.
Japan Coast Guard patrol ships issued warnings via electronic message boards and loudspeakers. The vessels were not pursuing Japanese fishing boats during this event.
The Senkaku Islands consist of five uninhabited islets and three reefs, located approximately 170 kilometers northeast of Taiwan and 410 kilometers west of Okinawa. Surrounding areas hold potential hydrocarbon resources.
