China warns off Japan research ships - Taipei Times

UPPING THE TENSION:

The latest flare-up comes after Beijing objected to Tokyo-Manila maritime borders talks and Japan protesting Chinese coast guard activity near its waters

Bloomberg

China warned two Japanese Coast Guard survey vessels to stop operating in the East China Sea over the past few days, Japan’s top government spokesman said, unusual moves that highlight elevated tensions over sea border claims in the area and worsening diplomatic ties between Beijing and Tokyo.Since Tuesday, the Japanese research ship Takuyo has received radio warnings from Chinese government ships to cease operations, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said yesterday, adding that another Japanese research vessel, the Koyo has been receiving similar warnings.The Koyo received repeated warnings on Wednesday at about 4:10pm while operating roughly 80km northwest of the island of Uotsuri (Diaoyu Island, 釣魚島), he said.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi talk during a Japanese House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Feb 20.