China Coast Guard ships have been present in waters around Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea for a record 158 consecutive days, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. The uninhabited islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China, have the potential to become a flashpoint for conflict between the two Asian neighbors.
The Japanese government expressed serious concerns about the continuous presence of Chinese vessels in the contiguous zone and territorial waters. While foreign ships are allowed innocent passage through territorial waters, the prolonged presence of Chinese ships is viewed as a provocation.
