OVERSTAYING CHINESE SHIPS IN SENKAKUS RANKLE JAPAN

Chinese coast guard ships entering Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea over the weekend have remained there for a record length of time, the Japan Coast Guard said, sparking fears that prospects of improved bilateral ties cannot be achieved.

Later in the day, China repeated its mantra about the uninhabited islets, saying they are its "inherent territory" without elaborating on what purpose the country's vessels have remained near the isles for such a long time, Kyodo news agency reported.

The two ships entered the waters near the islands, which are claimed by China, at around 10:47 a.m. Sunday, and attempted to approach a Japanese fishing boat, the coast guard said.

They have remained in the waters since then, although Japanese coast guard vessels sent to the area have repeatedly urged them to leave while protecting the fishing ship. The territorial spats over ownership of the islets have often strained Japan-China relations. "The situation has continued for more than two full days, and it is very regrettable," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, adding Japan has repeatedly warned the vessels to leave the waters and "strongly protested" to China over the intrusion through diplomatic channels.