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Japan Discreetly Urges Fishermen to Avoid Senkaku Islands Amid Rising Tensions
Japanese officials shifted policy in November, urging fishermen to avoid Senkaku Islands to prevent incidents amid record 357 days of Chinese coast guard presence, officials said.
- On January 27, 2026, Japanese officials began discreetly urging Hitoshi Nakama and peers to avoid the Senkaku Islands since late last year, with some fishermen receiving coast guard calls to cancel voyages.
- Heightened Chinese coast guard activity raised security concerns, with vessels spotted 357 days last year, while Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister, angered China in November and the United States pledged defense under its treaty.
- During a 20-minute meeting on December 19, Katayama warned `small incidents can grow bigger and lead to war`, but her office declined further comment, and the Japan Coast Guard said it informs relevant parties but would not discuss specifics.
- The fall in fishing trips reduces Japan's physical presence around the islands, with documented visits dropping to eight last year from 18 in 2024, and officials warn detentions could escalate tensions.
- While winter seas may keep some away for now, Hitoshi Nakama, fisherman and local councilor, and Kazushi Kinjo say they will return soon for their livelihoods, while analysts warn a Japanese pullback could embolden China.
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Fearing China clash, Japan asks fishermen to avoid flashpoint islands
In a shift, Japanese officials are discreetly urging fishermen to avoid disputed islands claimed by China, signaling Tokyo's concern that small incidents in the tense waters could spiral into a larger conflict.
·United Kingdom
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Japanese authorities, fearing an escalation of tensions with China, have begun discreetly asking fishermen to avoid the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The islands, claimed by both Japan and China, have been a flashpoint in relations between the two powers for years.
Ms. Takaichi stressed her commitment not to turn her back on Taiwan, while Tokyo officials reportedly urged fishermen to stay away from the disputed islands with China.
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center, 50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 50%
R 50%
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