Rising Tensions: Armed Chinese Vessels Sail in Disputed Japanese Waters

Four armed vessels belonging to the China Coast Guard sailed in the waters controlled by Japan on Sunday, a move that comes against the backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, particularly following the remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.

Bloomberg News quoted the Japanese Coast Guard as saying that the four vessels sailed around the Senkaku Islands (which Beijing calls Diaoyu) on Saturday, before entering Japanese waters on Sunday and then departing.

"Law Enforcement Patrol" and Diplomatic Backlash

The China Coast Guard confirmed in a statement that it had conducted a "law enforcement patrol" in the waters, describing the operation as legal. Both nations claim ownership of these uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea, which are currently administered by Japan.

This maritime escalation follows statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi last week, which angered Beijing. Takaichi stated that if military force were to be used in any potential conflict over Taiwan, it would constitute an "existential threat situation" for Japan. This classification is highly significant as it provides Japan with a legal justification for intervening in any future military conflict involving Taiwan, a deeply sensitive point for China.