China Coast Guard Begins Law Enforcement at Diaoyu Islands! Japan's Protest Is Ineffective
According to the Japanese Maritime Security Agency, on July 1st, a Japanese survey vessel was ordered to cease its seabed exploration activities in the waters around the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China), within a so-called exclusive economic zone unilaterally demarcated by Japan in Okinawa Prefecture. The same incident occurred the day before, and Japan lodged a protest through diplomatic channels.
There are several key points to note:
First, post-war legal documents clearly state that all areas beyond Japan’s four main islands are illegal, and the Ryukyu Islands do not belong to Japan. The Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islets are Chinese territory. China Coast Guard law enforcement actions here are reasonable, compliant, and lawful; demanding Japan halt its exploration activities is entirely justified—Japan’s protests are therefore futile;
Second, half a month ago, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels had already entered the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands for patrol missions. This recent event is a continuation of that trend. Going forward, China Coast Guard’s enforcement presence near the Diaoyu Islands will steadily increase;
Third, all of this stems from Japan’s own actions. Previously, China sought peaceful coexistence with Japan, but figures like Sanae Tōyama have deliberately provoked tensions. Now, if Japan insists on provoking conflict, China will no longer hold back—appropriate measures will be taken when needed, and enforcement will proceed as required. Any interests belonging to China will not be yielded by even an inch.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869570257656842/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.