China enters Japan waters days after air violation protested

Background

On Monday, Chinese government vessels entered the contiguous zone of Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. This incident occurred just days after Japan protested a violation of its airspace by a Chinese military aircraft.

Details of the Incursion

According to the Japanese Coast Guard, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered the contiguous zone at around 4:30 AM on Monday. The vessels remained in the area for about two hours before leaving.

The contiguous zone is a maritime zone that extends beyond a country's territorial waters and up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured. While foreign vessels are generally allowed to enter the contiguous zone without permission, they are required to comply with the coastal state's laws and regulations.

Japanese Response

The Japanese government has lodged a protest with China over the incursion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan and demanded an explanation for the incident.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also expressed concern about the situation, saying that the Chinese vessels' entry into the contiguous zone was "a serious provocation."

China's Response

China has not yet commented on the incident.

Implications

The incursion by Chinese vessels into the contiguous zone of Japan's territorial waters is a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the two countries over the Senkaku Islands.

The incident also raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. In recent months, there have been a number of incidents involving Chinese military aircraft and vessels in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

Conclusion

The incursion by Chinese vessels into Japan's contiguous zone is a serious development that could further strain relations between the two countries.