Kyodo News reported that multiple Japanese and Chinese diplomatic sources revealed on the 13th that several patrol vessels from Japan’s Maritime Safety Agency retreated to the Taiwan Strait last week to avoid Typhoon “Bavi” (No. 9), which was approaching the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa, and waited in international waters. The Chinese government lodged a protest with Japan through diplomatic channels. The Japanese side responded by saying it does not accept the protest.
According to relevant Japanese government sources, Japanese maritime patrol vessels have retreated to the Taiwan Strait to avoid approaching typhoons on previous occasions as well. It is reported that, in addition to Japanese vessels, ships from other countries also took shelter in the Taiwan Strait this time.
These sources analyzed that “due to the deterioration of Japan-China relations, the Chinese side may have become overly sensitive as a result.”
Last November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks regarding a possible “Taiwan contingency,” angering Beijing and plunging bilateral relations to a new low, with significantly reduced interactions at both the official and grassroots levels.
Recent remarks by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi regarding the South China Sea have further stirred tensions between the two countries.
On the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration case, the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and 14 other countries issued a joint statement reaffirming that the relevant ruling is final, legally binding, and conclusive. Beijing has consistently refused to accept or recognize the ruling.