Tensions between China and Japan have escalated sharply after a China Coast Guard formation sailed through the waters around the Senkaku Islands (referred to by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands) in what China described as a “rights enforcement patrol.”

The move comes in response to provocative remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who recently told Japan’s parliament that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan — a comment that prompted strong rebukes from Beijing.

The China Coast Guard said its 1307 vessel formation conducted a lawful patrol in the waters surrounding the islands. “This was a lawful patrol operation … to uphold its rights and interests,” the CCG statement said.

China has repeatedly emphasized that the Diaoyu Islands are its sovereign territory, and these patrols reflect what it calls a defense of its maritime rights.

Beijing’s decision to conduct the patrol follows a diplomatic flare-up sparked by Takaichi’s November 7 remarks, in which she suggested that a future Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s military response under its collective self-defense framework.

Reacting angrily to her statement, Chinese officials summoned Japan’s ambassador to deliver a formal protest. The Chinese defence ministry also declared any Japanese intervention in Taiwan would fail.

In recent months, China has intensified its presence around the contested islands. In May, a China Coast Guard helicopter briefly violated Japanese airspace near the Senkakus, prompting Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force to scramble jets.

Additionally, Beijing has signaled further escalation: it announced live-fire drills in the Yellow Sea from November 17–19, warning that its assertive posture is a deliberate response to Japan’s growing military alignment with Taiwan.

China has urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan, citing the deteriorating bilateral situation.

At the same time, Beijing’s Consul General in Osaka issued a sharply worded remark warning over Japanese interference, prompting Tokyo to lodge a formal diplomatic protest.

Analysts say China’s repeated legal patrols, diplomatic threats, and live-fire exercises may be part of a broader strategy to isolate Japan and deter any military involvement in Taiwan.

On its side, Japan has identified China’s military expansion as one of its most serious security challenges. In a recent defense white paper, Tokyo called out Beijing’s frequent joint operations with Russia, growing ship movements near Japanese territory, and increasing missile threats.

Japan has also deepened maritime cooperation with allies: in June 2025, Japan’s coast guard held joint drills with the United States and the Philippines, testing scenarios involving vessel collisions, fires, and search-and-rescue operations. (ILKHA)