China’s coastguard says it warned a Japanese fishing boat to leave its territorial waters near the disputed Diaoyu Islands, the latest confrontation in the area.
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The tiny, uninhabited islands in the East China Sea are claimed by both China and Japan, where they are known as the Senkakus.
On Thursday, Chinese coastguard spokesman Liu Dejun said the Japanese vessel had “illegally entered” China’s territorial waters around the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Liu identified the vessel as the “Tsurumaru” – a Japanese fishing boat also seen sailing in the area in June, July and August, according to earlier Chinese coastguard statements.
“Necessary control measures were implemented in accordance with the law, and warnings were issued to drive away the Japanese vessel,” Liu said.
He called on Japan to stop “illegal activities” in the waters, and said “Diaoyu and its affiliated islands have always been China’s territory”.