A Japanese fishing vessel was intercepted this Wednesday after straying into the waters around Chiwei Yu, a contested area in the East China Sea. The China Coast Guard (CCG) said it took "necessary control measures" by issuing warnings and escorting the vessel out of what Beijing regards as its sovereign maritime space.
CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun reaffirmed that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, urging the Japanese side to immediately cease all unauthorized activities in these waters. The incident marks the latest flashpoint in ongoing maritime disputes between the two neighbors.
China's coast guard forces have stepped up patrols and enforcement operations around Chiwei Yu amid rising tensions over fishing rights and territorial claims. By dispatching patrol ships to safeguard its waters, Beijing aims to demonstrate its resolve to defend sovereignty and maritime rights.
"The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement operations in waters under China's jurisdiction to safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Liu said, underscoring the agency's commitment to routine patrols and rapid response measures.
Reference(s):
Japanese vessel expelled after illegally entering China's Chiwei Yu
cgtn.com
