China Drives Away Japanese Vessels in Diaoyu Islands Standoff

China's coastguard announced it took 'necessary control measures' to drive away four Japanese fishing vessels and patrol boats that entered the disputed Diaoyu Islands' territorial waters from June 20-24. The waters are claimed by both China and Japan, resulting in frequent standoffs. China urged Japan to cease all illegal activities in the area.

China's coastguard said on Monday it took "necessary control measures" against and "drove away" four Japanese fishing vessels and several patrol boats which entered the "territorial waters" of Diaoyu Islands between June 20-24.

The waters around the islands are disputed and claimed by both China and Japan, which calls them the Senkaku Islands. The two sides have faced off in the waters, deploying patrol boats and urging the other to leave the area. "We urge Japan to immediately cease all illegal activities in the area and ensure similar incidents do not recur," a spokesperson from China's coastguard said in a statement.