China has deployed its coast guard to the waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu in China, and flown military drones near Japanese territory. The move escalates tensions following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks that Japan might respond militarily to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
On Sunday, the Chinese coastguard stated that its vessel 1307 conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” within the territorial waters of the Diaoyu islands, describing it as a lawful operation to uphold China's rights and interests. The islands are administered by Japan but claimed by China.
The activity comes amid a diplomatic spat after Takaichi told parliament that Japan could take military action if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing reacted angrily, demanding a retraction. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification, while Taiwan's government rejects Chinese rule and vows to defend itself.
In Taiwan, the defence ministry reported detecting 30 Chinese military aircraft, seven navy ships, and one official vessel over the past 24 hours. Maps showed drones flying between Taiwan and Japan's Yonaguni island, a rare but not unprecedented occurrence.
Japan has faced mounting pressure from China, including a formal protest over remarks by China's consul general in Osaka, a summons of the Japanese ambassador, and warnings from China's defence ministry. China has also cautioned its citizens against travelling to Japan and urged reconsideration of studying there, citing security concerns.
Chinese state media accused Takaichi of staging a “dangerously provocative” political stunt, warning that a conflict between Japan and China could draw in other powers and escalate into a large-scale conflict with severe consequences.
