China, Japan trade blame over confrontation near disputed islands. China and Japan have accused each other of maritime incursions following an altercation between their coast guards in the East China Sea, near the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by China. The Chinese coast guard alleged that a Japanese fishing boat and several patrol vessels entered the area, prompting them to issue warnings. In response, Japan's coast guard reported expelling two Chinese patrol boats from the area, claiming they were protecting a Japanese fishing boat. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating maritime disputes involving China in the region.