Japan Protests Chinese Naval Intrusions in Waters

Japan's Defense Ministry reported a Chinese navy survey ship intruded into its territorial waters near Kagoshima Prefecture on Saturday, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo. This incident marks the tenth such entry by a Chinese vessel into Japanese waters since November 2021, occurring shortly after Japan lodged a complaint regarding a Chinese military aircraft breaching its airspace. Japanese defense officials expressed strong concerns over China's increasing assertiveness in the region and its growing military cooperation with Russia, particularly in light of recent joint air force exercises. The vessel was tracked by Japanese military assets and exited the area within two hours. Despite these tensions, Chinese officials have stated that they do not intend to violate other nations' airspace. The incidents highlight the ongoing strain in Japan-China relations, though economic and cultural ties remain robust.