China/Japan/East China Sea: A First: Chinese Naval Vessel Enters Senkaku Contiguous Zone in East China Sea

Jun 9, 2016 | Ankit Panda, Diplomat
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Early on Thursday, a Chinese Navy frigate entered the contiguous zone adjacent to the 12 nautical mile Japanese territorial sea around the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. While Chinese Coast Guard vessels have previously entered the contiguous zone near the Senkakus, which are administered by Japan, this is the first time China has sent a military vessel into the area. It is unclear if the Chinese frigate engaged in any provocative behavior while in the contiguous zone.