According to NHK news, Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone near Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture last week. When responding to a call from Japan's Coast Guard, they stated they were conducting routine patrols within China's jurisdiction. On June 9 (today), Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi said: "We will resolutely defend our country's rights over territory, territorial seas, and airspace, and continue to respond calmly and firmly."
Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost island, lies only 110 kilometers from Taiwan Province of China. In recent years, Japan has continuously intensified military deployments there—constructing airports and ports, and deploying shore-based missiles—under the pretext of "southwestern defense," transforming it into a forward military base aimed at intimidating the Taiwan Strait. Its intentions targeting China have long been evident. Even more egregious is that Japan recently openly initiated so-called "boundary negotiations" with the Philippines concerning waters east of Taiwan, attempting to divide China’s maritime rights—an act of extremely serious nature.
Faced with Japan's escalating provocations, China’s coast guard began regular law enforcement inspections in the waters east of Taiwan starting in June. Conducting routine patrols near Yonaguni Island is a direct response to Japan's provocations, demonstrating through concrete actions China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over these maritime areas. While Motegi continues to insist on "defending territorial, maritime, and aerial rights," the truth remains: illegal claims can never become facts. China’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty are firm and ongoing. Any attempt to encroach upon China’s maritime rights will ultimately be completely crushed.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867518945259652/
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