Tensions Flare as China and Japan Trade Accusations Over Territorial Violations
China and Japan have exchanged formal protests over alleged incursions near disputed islands, further heightening territorial tensions.
China, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Tensions have reignited in the East China Sea as China and Japan exchange accusations over alleged violations of territorial airspace and waters surrounding the disputed Diaoyu Islands (known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands). The latest incident involved a Chinese Coast Guard helicopter and a Japanese civilian aircraft, as well as maritime patrol vessels from both nations—prompting sharp diplomatic protests from both sides.
China Denounces Airspace Intrusion by Japanese Civilian Aircraft
Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated that a Japanese civilian aircraft had illegally entered China’s airspace over Diaoyu Dao on Saturday morning. In response, the China Coast Guard (CCG) deployed a shipborne helicopter to issue warnings and drive the aircraft away.
“Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islets are China’s inherent territory. The Japanese aircraft seriously violated our sovereignty,” Zhang declared, emphasizing that China’s response was “fully lawful and legitimate.”
Zhang urged Japan to restrain its citizens and cease provocative acts that could further destabilize the situation in the region. He reaffirmed China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights with effective measures.
China’s Foreign Ministry Lodges Formal Protest
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs, accused Japanese right-wing elements of violating Chinese airspace by piloting a civilian aircraft into the Diaoyu area, calling the incident “illegal and provocative.”
Liu demanded Japan immediately halt such actions and take concrete steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Japan Strong Protest of Its Own
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Sunday, saying that the Vice Minister had lodged a “strong protest” with the Chinese ambassador over what Tokyo described as the “intrusion of four Chinese Coast Guard vessels into Japanese territorial waters” near the disputed islands on the same day.
The Vice Minister also protested the alleged violation of Japan’s airspace by a helicopter launched from one of the Chinese Coast Guard ships, urging China to “ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.”
Japanese Fighter Jets Scrambled as Helicopter Enters Claimed Airspace
Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that the Chinese helicopter remained within what Tokyo considers its airspace over the Senkaku Islands for approximately 15 minutes on Saturday. In response, Japan scrambled fighter jets in a state of alert.
According to NHK and other local media, this marks the first time a Chinese government helicopter has reportedly violated Japanese airspace over the contested islands—an escalation that could heighten already simmering tensions.
Longstanding Dispute Rekindled
The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, located in the East China Sea, have long been a flashpoint in China-Japan relations. Both nations claim sovereignty over the uninhabited islands, which are believed to be rich in natural resources and hold strategic maritime importance.
This latest exchange of accusations highlights the fragile and often volatile nature of territorial disputes in the region, where military maneuvers and diplomatic protests frequently intersect. (PW)
Source: Global Times/NHK