Chinese vessels patrol near disputed islands

Beijing, Jan 8: Chinese Coast Guard vessels on Sunday patrolled the disputed waters of the Diaoyu Islands in the East Chi Sea, a move certain to rile up Japan. Three Chi Coast Guard (CCG) vessels conducted a patrol in the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands, Xinhua news agency reported. Japan calls the islands Senkaku.

Chi conducts such patrols on a regular basis, the State Oceanic Administration said. Tensions have been rising between traditiol foes Chi and Japan since 2012 over the disputed islands in the East Chi Sea.

Over the years, Chi has become increasingly aggressive in seas, asserting its claims over the South Chi Sea and patrolling its ships in Indian Ocean and East Chi Sea. Recently, its only aircraft carrier — flanked by warships — sailed into the contested South Chi Sea. (IANS)