Tensions rise ahead of diplomatic summit as Chinese vessels breach Japanese territorial waters near Senkaku Islands

On Friday morning, two armed vessels from the China Coast Guard entered Japanese territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands (known in China as Diaoyu), according to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). The breach occurred near Minami-Kojima Island just hours before a scheduled trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea in Tokyo.

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21 march 2025   |   09:39   |   Source: o2 / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Daniel Nawrocki   |   Print

fot. Japan Coast Guard

Chinese ships spotted near Minami-Kojima Island

According to a statement from the 11th Regional Headquarters of the JCG, based in Naha, the Chinese ships crossed into Japanese waters shortly before 2:00 a.m. local time. The vessels were reportedly equipped with deck guns, highlighting escalating tensions in the region, as reported by a Japanese broadcaster.

The JCG immediately demanded that the vessels leave the area and has continued to monitor their movements. A similar incident occurred earlier on March 14.

Diplomacy versus show of force

The territorial incursion comes just one day before a key diplomatic meeting in Tokyo, where Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, China’s Wang Yi, and South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul are expected to discuss economic cooperation, people-to-people exchange, and regional and global issues.

The last such trilateral meeting took place in November 2023 in the South Korean city of Busan. This year’s talks are set against a backdrop of increasing maritime tensions in the East China Sea.

Longstanding dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands

The Senkaku Islands are a group of small, uninhabited islets in the East China Sea claimed by Japan, China, and Taiwan. Japan maintains administrative control over the islands and regards them as an inherent part of its territory. However, China frequently sends vessels into the surrounding waters, citing historical claims.

According to the JCG, Chinese vessels were present in the area on a record 353 days in 2024, with 39 confirmed incursions into Japanese territorial waters. Japan has consistently condemned these actions as violations of international law and a threat to regional stability.

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