Escalating Tensions in the East China Sea: China's Coast Guard Patrols and Japan's Fishing Dilemma

In recent years, China's Coast Guard (CCG) has significantly intensified its maritime patrols around the disputed Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu Islands in China. According to state-run media, the CCG organized 134 patrols and deployed vessels over 550,000 times and aircraft more than 6,000 times in the past five years. In 2025 alone, the CCG patrolled the islands for 357 days, underscoring China's commitment to asserting its claims in the region. This area has long been a flashpoint in Sino-Japanese relations, with recent confrontations highlighting the ongoing tensions.

China's Coast Guard Organized 134 Patrols Around Disputed Senkaku Islands in Past Five Years, State Media SaysChina Coast Guard conducted patrols around Diaoyu Dao for 357 days in 2025Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islandsEyes on the Prize: CCG Patrols Prioritize Scarborough in 2025

In addition to its activities around the Senkaku Islands, the CCG has redirected its focus toward Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. Data from 2025 indicates that patrols at Scarborough Shoal more than doubled, with CCG vessels spending 1,099 ship days compared to 516 in 2024. This strategic reallocation of resources reflects China's broader maritime ambitions and its response to perceived threats from the Philippines and other neighboring countries.

Eyes on the Prize: CCG Patrols Prioritize Scarborough in 2025China's Coast Guard Organized 134 Patrols Around Disputed Senkaku Islands in Past Five Years, State Media SaysChina Coast Guard conducted patrols around Diaoyu Dao for 357 days in 2025Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

As tensions escalate, Japanese fishermen are facing increased pressure to avoid the Senkaku Islands. Reports indicate that Japanese officials have discreetly urged fishermen to steer clear of these waters to prevent diplomatic clashes with China. This shift in policy comes amid heightened concerns over potential confrontations with the CCG, which has been active in the area for a record 357 days in the previous year. Fishermen like Hitoshi Nakama express frustration, feeling caught between asserting Japan's claims and avoiding escalation.

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

The Japanese government maintains that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of its territory and has lodged diplomatic protests against Chinese incursions. However, officials are now balancing the need to assert control over the islands with the risks posed by potential confrontations. The Japan Coast Guard has been proactive in informing relevant parties about the security situation, but specifics regarding operational changes remain undisclosed.

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

Critics argue that Japan's fishing activities, while intended to assert sovereignty, could provoke further aggression from China. Experts warn that a complete withdrawal from fishing could embolden China to increase its presence in the area. Paul Midford, a professor at Meiji Gakuin University, notes that while demonstrating control is important, it risks escalating tensions as both nations vie for dominance.

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

There are discrepancies in the reported number of Japanese fishing trips to the Senkaku Islands. While the Japan Coast Guard documented only eight visits in the past year, down from 18 in 2024, some fishermen assert their determination to continue fishing despite the risks involved. This divergence highlights the complex interplay between national sovereignty and economic activity in contested waters.

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

• “Over the past five years, we have conducted regular rights protection patrols in the East China Sea, South China Sea and Yellow Sea, carried out law enforcement patrols in waters surrounding the Taiwan island and its affiliated islands, and strengthened law enforcement control in the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas,” — Zhang Jianming, Head of Law Enforcement Department, CCG

China Coast Guard conducted patrols around Diaoyu Dao for 357 days in 2025

• “small incidents can grow bigger and lead to war” — Satsuki Katayama, Japanese Finance Minister

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

• “I'll go there for as long as I have this boat. I'll keep on going,” — Hitoshi Nakama, Japanese Fisherman

Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands

As the situation evolves, the balance between asserting territorial claims and avoiding conflict remains precarious in the East China Sea.

China's Coast Guard Organized 134 Patrols Around Disputed Senkaku Islands in Past Five Years, State Media Says