In a move underscoring ongoing tensions in the East China Sea, the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, took necessary measures to warn and expel the Japanese fishing boat Tsurumaru after it intruded into the territorial waters around Diaoyu Dao.
CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue stated that the vessel's operations were conducted in accordance with the law, reiterating that "Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory." The spokesperson urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all rights violations and provocative acts in the relevant waters.
This incident highlights the fragile nature of maritime boundaries in the region, where historical claims and modern geopolitics often collide. Diaoyu Dao, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, has been a longstanding point of contention between the two Asian powers, with both nations asserting sovereignty over the uninhabited islets and surrounding waters.
For global observers and regional stakeholders, such encounters serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. The CCG's firm stance, as Jiang added, signals China's commitment to "continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement operations" to safeguard its maritime interests.
As Sino-Japanese relations navigate these choppy waters, the international community watches closely, understanding that maritime disputes in Asia can have far-reaching implications for trade routes, diplomatic ties, and regional security frameworks.
Reference(s):
China expels Japanese boat intruding into Diaoyu Dao's waters
cgtn.com
