A formation of Chinese Coast Guard vessels patrolled the waters around the Senkaku Islands, provoking an escalation of tensions with Japan following statements by the Japanese Prime Minister about Taiwan.

A formation of Chinese Coast Guard vessels crossed the waters around the Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan, on Sunday as part of a "rights enforcement patrol." This incident comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, sparked by statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who claimed that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan. Beijing reacted vehemently, demanding the retraction of Takaichi's statements.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to control it. In this context, the Chinese vessel formation conducted a patrol operation, which Beijing deems legal. Tensions have escalated, and Japan officially protested following provocative comments from the Chinese consul in Osaka. Additionally, Beijing warned that any Japanese military intervention would be "doomed to fail."

Furthermore, China issued a warning for its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, prompting Tokyo to request "appropriate measures." In Taiwan, the Ministry of Defense reported significant Chinese military activities around the island, including patrols of aircraft and vessels. Taiwan emphasizes that only its people can decide the future of the island, maintaining strategic ambiguity in its relations with Japan and the United States.