China has firmly dismissed Japan's objections to recent coast guard patrols near the Diaoyu Dao islands, calling Tokyo's claims “unjustified” in a fiery diplomatic exchange this week. 🌊⚖️
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Tuesday that the November 16 patrols by four China Coast Guard vessels were “lawful and legitimate,” emphasizing the islands have been “China's inherent territory since ancient times.” The remarks came after Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara called the patrols “unacceptable” through diplomatic channels.
“We urge Japan to respect China’s territorial sovereignty and stop creating maritime tensions,” Mao told reporters, highlighting Beijing’s stance in this latest chapter of the long-running East China Sea dispute. 📢🗺️
With both nations maintaining active coast guard presence in the area, this development adds fresh complexity to Asia-Pacific maritime security discussions as 2025 draws to a close. Analysts suggest the exchange could influence upcoming regional diplomacy forums.
