Chinese Warship Chases Russian Frigate Near Senkaku: Japan

A Chinese naval ship chased a Russian vessel around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday, the authorities said, in an apparent attempt to demonstrate to others that Beijing had authority over the Tokyo-controlled islets, Mainichi Japan reported.

Photo Insert: It was the first occasion that Chinese and Russian navy warships had been sighted entering the contiguous zone at the same time since June 2016.

According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, a Chinese frigate sailed in the so-called contiguous zone of the uninhabited islets, which Beijing claims and calls Diaoyu, for roughly six minutes beginning at 7:44 a.m., chasing a Russian frigate after the Russian ship entered the waters.

The Russian vessel was in the area from 7:05 a.m. till 8:16 a.m. and appears to have done so to avoid a storm, according to a ministry official.

According to the official, China was likely trying to demonstrate its territorial claim to the Senkakus by making it appear as if it were patrolling around its own territory, who added that the move "unilaterally heightens tensions" and has created a "seriously concerning situation."

Following the incident, which occurred amid China's growing maritime assertiveness and increasingly robust China-Russia military ties, Tokyo lodged a protest with Beijing.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said at a press conference that Japan will "respond firmly but in a calm manner" to similar acts. It was the first occasion that Chinese and Russian navy warships had been sighted entering the contiguous zone at the same time since June 2016.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Shigeo Yamada called Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou, expressing "grave concern" about the event.

According to a ministry source, Tokyo also urged Moscow to conduct an "appropriate response," while showing "keen interest" in Russia's recent activities near the Senkakus.

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