June 30, 2026
TOKYO – Japan has said that China Coast Guard (CCG) claims of jurisdiction within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) cannot be accepted.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Monoru Kihara made the comments at a press conference in reference to the CCG’s claim, which occurred near Yomaguni Island earlier this month.
China has intensified patrols using government vessels in waters east of Taiwan, which is located to the south of Yonaguni Island. A CCG vessel claimed jurisdiction while inside Japan’s EEZ on June 3.
“We have repeatedly lodged protests with China through diplomatic channels,” said Kihara.
“We have confirmed that China has made its own kind of claim,” said Kihara.
It is believed that China’s behavior is meant to act as a counter to negotiations between Japan and the Philippines regarding the maritime boundary of the EEZ between the two countries.