Two Chinese Ships Enter Japanese Territorial Waters Off Senkaku Islands
Japan Coast Guard officials say two Chinese government ships have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
The officials say the ships entered waters off Uotsuri Island at around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, and apparently tried to approach a Japanese fishing boat operating in the area.
The officials say that as of 4:50 a.m., the Chinese vessels were sailing in Japanese waters about 19 to 21 kilometers southwest of Uotsuri Island. They say the vessels appear to be shadowing the fishing boat.
Japanese patrol ships have been cruising near the fishing boat to ensure its safety and warning the Chinese vessels to immediately leave Japan's territorial waters.
This is the 12th time this year that Chinese government ships have been spotted entering Japanese waters off the islands. The last incident took place June 23.
Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government maintains that the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.