China Conducts 'Rights Enforcement' Patrol Near Disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands After Japan–Taiwan Row

Beijing escalated tensions with Tokyo on Sunday when China Coast Guard vessels sailed through waters around the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) islands in what Beijing described as a "rights enforcement patrol." The action came after public remarks by Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, defending Taiwan and saying a Chinese attack on the island would justify a Japanese military response.

Coast guard statement

In an official statement the China Coast Guard said, "China Coast Guard vessel 1307 formation conducted patrols within the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands. This was a lawful patrol operation conducted by the China Coast Guard to uphold its rights and interests." The coast guard characterized the operation as routine enforcement of China's maritime claims.

Diplomatic fallout

Since Prime Minister Takaichi's Nov. 7 remarks, Chinese authorities summoned Japan's ambassador to Beijing and issued travel advisories urging Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan. Beijing's defence ministry warned that any Japanese intervention would be ineffective in protecting Taiwan.

China's consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted a now-deleted social media message that appeared to threaten Prime Minister Takaichi, writing, "That filthy neck that barged in on its own – I've got no choice but to cut it off without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"

Tokyo condemned the message. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara called Xue's language "extremely inappropriate," confirmed that Japan lodged a formal protest, and urged Chinese authorities to take disciplinary action. Beijing countered by defending the envoy: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Xue's remarks were a response to what China called Takaichi's "wrongful and dangerous" comments and warned Japan not to interfere in China's internal affairs.

Military activity

Separately, Taiwan's defence ministry reported heightened Chinese military activity in the days following the exchange. Taiwan said it tracked roughly 30 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating nearby, according to Reuters, underscoring increased regional tensions.

What this means

The patrol and the sharp diplomatic exchanges add to growing strains between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan and the contested islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China. Analysts say such maritime patrols, public warnings and diplomatic confrontations heighten the risk of miscalculation in an already sensitive region.