By Zoila Palma: Tensions between China and Japan have intensified following a maritime confrontation near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, BBC reports.
Both countries offered conflicting accounts of the incident, which occurred early Tuesday and involved a Japanese fishing vessel and Chinese Coast Guard ships.
China accused the Japanese boat of illegally entering what it considers its territorial waters, while Japan said it intercepted and expelled two Chinese vessels that had approached the fishing boat.
The clash comes amid worsening diplomatic relations, fueled in part by recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Tokyo could consider military action if China were to attack Taiwan.
Beijing condemned the comments prompting an escalation in rhetoric between the two nations.
The fragile relationship has deteriorated further as both sides reinforce their territorial claims over the uninhabited islands, located roughly 160 kilometers from Taiwan.
The East China Sea has long been a flash point in China–Japan relations, with both nations monitoring each other’s activities in the area. Although they reached an agreement in 2008 to jointly explore resources, China has steadily increased its maritime presence near the islands, setting new records in recent years for Coast Guard activity.
The post International News: China–Japan tensions rise after confrontation near disputed islands appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Tensions between China and Japan have intensified following a maritime confrontation near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, BBC reports. Both countries offered conflicting accounts of the incident, which occurred early Tuesday and involved a Japanese fishing vessel and Chinese Coast Guard ships. China accused the Japanese boat of illegally
The post International News: China–Japan tensions rise after confrontation near disputed islands appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.