CNN, citing Tokyo's latest count, reported that China's Coast Guard ships have spent a record-breaking 158 days in the waters surrounding Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea. This surpasses the previous record set in 2021.

Analysts express concerns regarding the potential for hostilities between the two Asian rivals over the uninhabited islands known as the Diaoyu Islands in China and the Senkaku in Japan.

According to CNN, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated during a briefing in Tokyo that the Japanese government views the continuous presence of vessels sailing in the contiguous zone and trespassing in territorial waters with utmost seriousness.

The chief spokesperson for the Japanese government refrained from specifying the frequency of Chinese ship visits, despite foreign ships being granted "innocent passage" through Japan's territorial waters. Although the Chinese Coast Guard has not contravened any international accords, as foreign warships are permitted to enter contiguous zone seas, their persistent presence in the area is perceived as provocative.

According to Hayashi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida raised Tokyo's "serious concerns" with Chinese Premier Li Gongmin during a trilateral meeting in Seoul. Kishida emphasised that Japan will maintain a vigilant stance and implement thorough surveillance around the Senkaku Islands with a sense of urgency.

CNN reported that the network of uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku islands, has been a longstanding point of contention in Japan-China relations. Claims over the rocky chain, situated approximately 205 miles (330 kilometres) from China's east coast and 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometres) southwest of Tokyo, date back centuries. Neither China nor Japan is likely to relinquish territory that is considered a national inheritance in their respective capitals.

After the swearing-in of Taiwan's newly elected President Lai Ching-te, openly opposed by Beijing for his stance on defending the island's sovereignty and unique identity, China conducted its largest military drills of the year last week.

While Taiwan has never been under Chinese authority, the ruling Communist Party of China asserts it as part of its territory and has threatened to annex the island by force if deemed necessary.

Furthermore, the China Coast Guard has been utilising water cannons to inflict damage and injure vessels belonging to Filipino sailors as they endeavour to resupply a contingent of Philippine marines stationed on Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Image source: ANI