China has formally lodged a diplomatic protest with Japan after a Japanese civilian aircraft allegedly entered the airspace of the Diaoyu Dao, escalating tensions between the two Asian neighbors. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao issued the \"solemn representation\" during talks with Japan\u2019s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi on Saturday, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Japan.
The incident marks the latest flare-up over the disputed East China Sea islands, known as Senkaku in Japan. Ambassador Wu accused Tokyo of allowing unauthorized entry into what Beijing considers \"China\u2019s inherent territory,\" calling the act a \"severe violation\" of sovereignty. Chinese authorities reportedly employed \"necessary control measures\" to expel the aircraft.
\"Japan must fully recognize the gravity of this matter and take concrete steps to prevent recurrence,\" the embassy emphasized, warning that further provocations could trigger \"firm countermeasures\" to protect national interests. The Diaoyu Dao has been a persistent flashpoint since Japan nationalized parts of the islands in 2012.
Analysts note this development coincides with broader regional security debates, raising questions about maritime protocols and airspace management. Business stakeholders are monitoring potential impacts on cross-border cooperation, while diaspora communities observe diplomatic exchanges shaping East Asian relations.
