China Frequently Appears Near Yonaguni Island Waters; Japan States It Has Repeatedly Lodged Protests

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 29, Comprehensive Foreign News) Regarding the matter of China Coast Guard vessels navigating within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south of Japan's Yonaguni Island and asserting jurisdiction, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kiihara emphasized at a press conference this morning that Japan has repeatedly lodged protests with China through diplomatic channels.

Following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 28, a joint statement was issued announcing the commencement of negotiations on maritime boundaries for the EEZ and continental shelf, which has drawn a backlash from China. Beijing has continued to dispatch coast guard vessels to navigate the waters east of Taiwan.

According to a report by Japan's TV Asahi, Minoru Kiihara stated this morning, "Vessels of the China Coast Guard have repeatedly navigated within the EEZ south of Yonaguni Island and have put forth China's own claims to these waters. Japan cannot accept this and has repeatedly lodged protests with China through diplomatic channels."

Kiihara emphasized Japan's determination to resolutely defend its territory, territorial waters, airspace, and rights, stating that Japan will "respond with a firm and calm attitude."

Regarding China's dissatisfaction with Japan and the Philippines initiating negotiations to delineate maritime boundaries, Kiihara reiterated today, "This will not have legal effect on third parties and is completely without any issues under international law."

Yonaguni Island is Japan's westernmost island and the closest Japanese remote island to Taiwan, separated by only about 110 kilometers. Yonaguni Island is administratively part of Yonaguni Town, Okinawa Prefecture. (Compiled by Li Jing / Reviewed by Yang Weijin) 1150629

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