Japan recently lodged a protest with China following another incursion into its territorial waters by a Chinese naval survey vessel. This incident marked the second time in less than a week that the Chinese military had entered Japanese waters. The increase in Chinese military activity near Japan and around Taiwan has heightened concerns in Tokyo.
In response to these provocations, Japan has initiated a defense buildup to deter Beijing from using military force to assert its territorial claims in the region. The ship in question was detected off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan’s southwest and departed within two hours of being spotted, according to the country’s defense ministry.
Following the incident, Japan registered its “strong concern and protest” with a Chinese embassy official. This protest also referenced a recent airspace violation by a Chinese military plane, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations. Tokyo has made it clear that these actions are unacceptable and require a response from the Chinese government.
This latest intrusion is not an isolated event, as it marks the tenth time in the past year that a Chinese naval survey ship has sailed through Japan’s territorial waters. When considering submarines and other intelligence-gathering vessels, the total number of incursions rises to thirteen, according to national broadcaster NHK.
The ongoing incursions by the Chinese military into Japanese waters have strained relations between the two countries. Japan’s efforts to voice its concerns and protest these violations illustrate the seriousness of the situation. It remains to be seen how China will respond to Japan’s diplomatic protests and whether these incidents will continue to escalate tensions in the region.
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