Japanese Coast Guard: Armed Chinese Patrol Ships Spotted Near Disputed Islands In The East China Sea

A Chinese Coast Guard ship armed with what the Japanese Coast Guard described as a cannon has been sighted in waters near disputed islands in the East China Sea. PHOTO: AFP

VOA: Japan: Armed Chinese Vessel Spotted Near Disputed Islands

Japan says it has spotted an armed Chinese coast guard ship near a set of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are the center of a long-running territorial dispute between the two Asian economic giants.

The Japanese Coast Guard released a photo Tuesday that showed the vessel sailing near the islands, which are referred to in Japan as Senkaku, and the Diaoyu in China.

A coast guard spokeswoman says this is the first time an armed Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted sailing near the islands. Three other Chinese boats were also spotted sailing in that area. None of the Chinese boats sailed close enough to the areas to violate what Japan considers its territorial waters.

More News On Japanese Reports Of Armed Chinese Coast Guard Ships Near Disputed Islands In The East China Sea

Tokyo protests at armed vessel -- AFP
Japan says armed Chinese vessel spotted off disputed islands -- AP
Japan says armed Chinese ship seen near disputed islands: Kyodo -- Straits Times/Reuters
China Patrols Japanese Waters in the East China Sea -- Maritime Executive
First Armed Chinese Patrol of the Senkaku Islands -- Maritime Executive