Japanese patrol vessels entered the Taiwan Strait under the pretext of avoiding Typhoon "Bavi," prompting solemn diplomatic protests from China
According to Kyodo News, several Japanese Coast Guard patrol vessels last week entered the Taiwan Strait and remained on standby in international waters, citing the need to avoid Typhoon "Bavi." In response, the Chinese government has lodged serious diplomatic representations and protests with Japan through official channels. Japan, in turn, rejected China's protest.
According to Japanese government sources, the involved vessels included the large patrol ships "Kanmei" (PLH-45), "Takefuku" (PL-81), and "Iriki" (PL-95). Instead of returning to ports near the Ryukyu Islands for shelter, these vessels were positioned vertically at three points—north, central, and south—of the Taiwan Strait.
Japanese officials stated that Coast Guard patrol vessels have previously retreated into the Taiwan Strait during typhoons, and other countries' vessels have also taken refuge in this region. Analysts suggest that due to deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, China may be becoming overly sensitive.
In response to Japan’s actions, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson clearly stated that the waters of the Taiwan Strait fall within China’s internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone. China holds sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, and there is no so-called "international waters." China emphasized that while any country enjoys freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, it firmly opposes using excuses such as "avoiding storms" to carry out political provocation and undermine China’s sovereignty and security.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870650791644236/
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