Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Enter Japanese Territorial Waters Near Senkaku Islands Amid Sovereignty Dispute

EAST CHINA SEA - Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on February 10, according to Japan Coast Guard reports, while China described the activity as patrols in its territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands.

Two vessels were observed west of Uotsuri Island, the largest in the chain, shortly after 4 p.m. within the 12-nautical-mile zone. The other two were noted near Taisho, the easternmost islet. The vessels departed after approximately two hours, with those near Uotsuri exiting southwest of Minamikojima and the others southeast of Taisho.

Japan Coast Guard patrol ships issued warnings via electronic message boards and loudspeakers. The vessels were not pursuing Japanese fishing boats during this event.

The Senkaku Islands consist of five uninhabited islets and three reefs, located approximately 170 kilometers northeast of Taiwan and 410 kilometers west of Okinawa. Surrounding areas hold potential hydrocarbon resources.

Strategic Assessment

Chinese maritime activities near the Senkaku Islands show a pattern, with contiguous zone navigations at 357 days in 2025 according to Japan’s Diplomatic Bluebook. A May 2025 incident involved a Chinese helicopter entering Japanese airspace.

Japan upholds administrative control through patrols and diplomatic measures, supported by alliance obligations. Regional dynamics include potential military responses.

Official Statements

• China’s Ministry of National Defense stated that on February 10, 2026, China Coast Guard vessel formation 2503 conducted a patrol in the territorial waters of China’s Diaoyu Dao. The patrol was a rights protection operation carried out by CCG in accordance with the law. (China’s Ministry of National Defense, February 10, 2026)

• Japan Coast Guard documented the vessels’ movements on February 10, 2026, noting their entry and exit points. (Japan Coast Guard, February 10, 2026)