Amid diplomatic tensions with Tokyo over Taiwan, China has sent its Coast Guard to the waters of the Senkaku Islandsadministered by Japan but claimed by the People’s Republic, which calls them the Diaoyu Islands. The Asian giant’s Coast Guard confirmed that its units were carrying out “patrols in the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands”, an operation “in accordance with the law” – official media reports – and aimed at “protecting the rights” of China.
These are activities that emerge as the activity continues tensions between Beijing and Tokyo after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent aggressive remarks were interpreted as a signal that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could legitimize Tokyo’s military response. The island, which is de facto independent and claims democracy, is considered by China to be a “rebel province” that must be “reunified” without excluding the use of force.
China’s political and military pressure on Taiwan continues. The Taipei Ministry of Defense reported via X that they had taken over the presence around the island within 24 hours of 30 military aircraft and seven Chinese Navy shipsplus another unit, possibly from the Coast Guard. The Guardian also highlighted how documents provided by the ministry show this up to three drones fly between Taiwan and the Japanese islands off the northeast coast.
