Japan Protests After Chinese Naval Vessel Enters Territorial Waters Amid Rising Tensions

Japan expressed “strong concern and protest” on Saturday after a Chinese naval vessel entered its territorial waters, just days after Tokyo accused Beijing of violating its airspace with a military aircraft.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that a Chinese naval ship was detected entering Japan’s territorial waters near Kuchinoerabu Island in the early hours of Saturday. The vessel remained in Japanese waters for nearly two hours before exiting southwest of Yakushima Island.

In response to the incident, Japan’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest with the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, citing “strong concern” over the recent activities of Chinese military forces in the region. The ministry’s statement highlighted the recent intrusion into Japanese airspace by a Chinese Y-9 surveillance aircraft, which Tokyo condemned as a “serious violation” of its sovereignty.

The airspace breach, which occurred off the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea, led Japan to scramble fighter jets on Monday, intensifying already strained relations between the two countries.

China’s expanding economic and military influence in the Asia-Pacific region, coupled with its assertive stance in territorial disputes, has heightened tensions with Japan and its allies, particularly the United States.

In response to these growing security concerns, Japan’s defense ministry recently requested a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the next fiscal year as part of its five-year defense buildup plan. The budget request includes funds for advanced standoff capabilities, such as long-range missiles and unmanned vehicles, to enhance Japan’s defensive posture.

This request surpasses last year’s initial budget proposal of 7.7 trillion yen but remains smaller than the 9.4 trillion yen ultimately approved for the current fiscal year. The increased defense spending underscores Japan’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.