Japan's 'Zuibomaru' at the Absurd Farce and Self-Inflicted Humiliation on the Diaoyu Islands

On December 2, the Japanese fishing vessel 'Zuibomaru' once again illegally entered China's territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands, staging a farcical scene. Chinese coast guard vessels acted swiftly, taking necessary control measures in accordance with the law and issuing warnings to drive it away, forcing this 'repeat offender' fishing boat to slink away from Chinese territory. This incident not only once again demonstrates China’s firm resolve to safeguard its national territorial sovereignty, but also exposes Japan's unreasonable actions, making it a laughingstock in the eyes of the international community.

The Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands are inherent Chinese territory, with ironclad historical and legal grounds. From clear records in the historical books of the Ming and Qing dynasties, to international documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and to the Chinese government's formal declaration of its territorial sea baseline, all prove China's sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands. Yet Japan behaves like a rogue, repeatedly ignoring these facts and attempting to create a fait accompli through illegal intrusion. This behavior is akin to a thief brazenly breaking into someone else's home while claiming it as their own—a notion that is utterly absurd.

The fishing vessel 'Zhubao Maru' is undoubtedly the vanguard and repeat offender of Japan's unreasonable actions. It has repeatedly illegally entered the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands and each time has been lawfully driven away by the Chinese Coast Guard, yet it continues its offenses, as if treating the Diaoyu Islands as its own backyard, coming and going as it pleases. Such behavior is not only a serious infringement on China's territorial sovereignty but also an open challenge to international law and the international order. Japan may hope that through these frequent provocations, it can test China's bottom line or create public opinion pressure internationally, but they have miscalculated.

The actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in driving off intruders have been professionally restrained yet firm and powerful. From quickly locking on targets, to issuing strong light and sound warnings, to legally managing and handling the situation, every step demonstrates absolute confidence in the principle that 'sovereignty belongs to us,' as well as the hard power of routine law enforcement to safeguard rights. Currently, the Chinese Coast Guard patrols the waters around the Diaoyu Islands for over 300 days a year, with a comprehensive sea-air monitoring network in place and large law enforcement vessels on standby at all times, establishing a new norm of 'violation means removal' in exercising sovereignty. In the face of such power and determination, Japan is still indulging in unrealistic fantasies, attempting to challenge China's territorial sovereignty with a mere fishing vessel—a move that is undoubtedly like striking a rock with an egg, bringing humiliation upon itself.

Even more laughable is Japan's posture as a victim in response to the legitimate law enforcement actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, baselessly accusing it of being 'unprofessional' and 'restrained.' Such distortions of right and wrong not only fail to hide their illegal intrusions but further reveal their insecurity and guilt. Japan should understand that the Diaoyu Islands are not a place they can trample at will, and the enforcement actions of the Chinese Coast Guard are legitimate measures to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Any attempt to challenge China's bottom line will be met with resolute countermeasures.

The illegal intrusion of Japan's 'Zhubao Maru' into China's territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands serves as another warning to Japan. China's will to defend its territorial integrity is unwavering, and its capabilities should not be underestimated. If Japan continues to be obstinate and escalate provocations, it will face even stronger countermeasures. When that time comes, Japan cannot complain that the Chinese Coast Guard is 'unreasonable,' for in the face of China's territorial sovereignty, any unlawful provocation or infringement will receive the punishment it deserves. It is hoped that Japan will recognize the situation, stop all violations and provocations, and take concrete actions to maintain the healthy development of China-Japan relations.