Japan expelled two Chinese coast guard ships from waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after the vessels approached a Japanese fishing boat in the area. The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that the Chinese ships entered what Japan claims as its territorial waters, prompting a response that forced them to leave by approximately 9:20 a.m. local time (0020 GMT).
Details of the Incident
According to a statement from the Japan Coast Guard, four Chinese coast guard vessels were sailing in the vicinity before two of them entered Japanese territorial waters. The coast guard issued orders for the ships to leave and deployed around the Japanese fishing vessel to ensure its safety. The statement characterized the Chinese actions as a violation of international law and pledged to continue responding calmly and resolutely in accordance with international and domestic law.
The last time Chinese ships entered these waters was on June 10, 2026, but it is rare for them to approach Japanese fishing boats directly. The Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu in China, lie between Taiwan and Japan’s Okinawa and have been a source of bilateral tensions for decades.
Broader Context of Tensions
The territorial dispute has worsened since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments about Taiwan in November 2025 that angered Beijing. Takaichi stated that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-ruled Taiwan, which China views as its territory and has not ruled out taking by force. In response, Beijing condemned her remarks, urged Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan, and tightened trade restrictions on some Japanese firms.
China routinely deploys coast guard ships around the disputed islands, leading to dangerous maritime standoffs with Japanese counterparts. China has also sent boats to other disputed waters in the East China Sea, believed to hold potential energy reserves, despite repeated Japanese protests.
Official Reactions
The Japan Coast Guard stated that the activities of the Chinese vessels constituted a violation of international law. It emphasized that it would take every possible measure to ensure the security of Japanese territorial waters. No immediate comment was available from Chinese authorities.
The incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations in the East China Sea, where both nations assert competing claims. The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands have been under Japanese administration since 1972, but China claims them as part of its territory based on historical records.
