Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels were involved in a standoff around disputed islands in the East China Sea on Monday, according to statements from both nations.

Disputed Territories

The islands in question are known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China. Both countries lay claim to these islands, resulting in frequent patrols by coast guard vessels from both sides in the contested waters.

Chinese Actions and Statements

Beijing announced on Monday that it had taken “necessary control measures” and “drove away” four Japanese fishing vessels and several patrol boats between June 20 and 24. A spokesperson from China’s coast guard urged Japan to “immediately cease all illegal activities in the area and ensure similar incidents do not recur.”

Japanese Response

In a separate release on Monday, the Japan Coast Guard reported that two of the four Chinese coast guard ships in the area approached Japanese fishing vessels operating in the territorial waters around the islands. The Japanese coast guard stated that the Chinese ships were “warned not to approach” and “repeatedly ordered to leave.”

Ongoing Tensions

The standoff is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the ongoing tension between China and Japan over these disputed islands. Both countries remain steadfast in their claims, resulting in periodic confrontations in the East China Sea.

The recent standoff underscores the continuing territorial disputes between China and Japan. As both nations assert their claims over the Senkakus/Diaoyus, the likelihood of further encounters in these contested waters remains high.

With Inputs from Reuters