A Japanese coast guard patrol ship recently observed four Chinese autocannon-armed coast guard vessels near the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan. The islands, known as Diaoyu Islands in China and Tiaoyutai Islands in Taiwan, are a subject of contention between the countries. Chinese coast guard vessels have been conducting assertive patrols near the islands since Japan nationalized its control in 2012, leading to strong protests from Beijing. The Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese foreign ministries have been contacted for comments on the recent incident.
According to reports, the Chinese ships were spotted armed with autocannons, capable of rapid-firing large-caliber shells, sailing outside Japan’s territorial waters in the contiguous zone near the Senkaku Islands. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) limits the extent of a nation’s contiguous zone to 24 nautical miles beyond its territorial sea, providing a framework for maritime law and order. Chinese coast guard vessels were observed near the islands for a record 355 days in 2024, indicating an increased presence in the disputed area.
In the U.S. Defense Department’s annual report on Chinese military power, it was noted that Chinese government ships were detected in the contiguous zone around the Senkakus on numerous days in recent years. The Chinese coast guard plays a crucial role in protecting the country’s rights in disputed maritime regions, boasting the world’s largest maritime law enforcement fleet with over 150 patrol vessels weighing over 1,000 tons. Both Japan and China have responded to the situation with caution and readiness, with a Japanese official emphasizing the importance of a calm and stout response.
Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., spokesperson, Liu Pengyu, reiterated China’s claim over the Diaoyu Islands and its surrounding waters as part of the country’s inherent territory. Patrolling and law enforcement activities in those areas are considered China’s inherent rights, and any comments from other parties are deemed unwarranted. The responses from both Japanese and Chinese officials reflect the ongoing tensions in the region regarding territorial disputes and maritime security.
The situation near the Senkaku Islands remains volatile, with the Chinese coast guard likely to continue its frequent patrols in the area. There is speculation about whether Beijing will escalate its actions by potentially sending warships to the disputed territory, further reinforcing its sovereign claim over the islands. The ongoing presence of Chinese vessels near the Senkakus raises concerns about potential confrontations and the need for diplomatic resolutions to address the territorial disputes in the region. The responses from all parties involved will be crucial in determining the future developments in the East China Sea.
