TOKYO – Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has expressed serious concern over the "clearly escalating" activity of Chinese vessels near the Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. His remarks followed an extended intrusion by Chinese Coast Guard ships into Japanese territorial waters, marking a record-breaking presence.   

During a Diet committee session on Monday, Iwaya revealed that he had conveyed his concerns to Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi during their meeting in Tokyo on Saturday. The Chinese Coast Guard ships had entered Japan's territorial seas near the uninhabited islands in the early hours of Friday and remained there for over 92 hours, departing past 10 p.m. Monday, according to the Japan Coast Guard.   

This extended stay represents the longest period Chinese Coast Guard vessels have remained within Japan's waters since the Japanese government's purchase of the main part of the Senkakus from a private Japanese owner in September 2012, surpassing the previous record of approximately 80 and a half hours. At one point, four Chinese vessels had intruded, with two leaving by Sunday night.

Iwaya also stated that a strong protest was lodged with his Chinese counterpart, as confirmed by a Foreign Ministry official during the parliamentary session. An opposition lawmaker criticized the timing of the intrusion, noting its proximity to the bilateral foreign ministerial talks as "extremely inappropriate."

In response, Iwaya acknowledged the "conciliatory and friendly atmosphere" of the meeting but expressed regret over the incident, stating, "We will deal with this issue in a resolute and calm manner."

The continued presence of Chinese vessels underscores the persistent tensions between Japan and China over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.

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