The Senkaku Islands (尖閣諸島) are uninhabited islands belonging to Okinawa Prefecture, and the Japanese government claims that they are indisputably Japanese territory both historically and under international law. However, since the 1970s, the Chinese government has begun to claim that the islands have been Chinese territory since ancient times, as the possibility of oil deposits around the Senkaku Islands has been pointed out.

China claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands, citing the fact that they are listed in ancient documents and maps and are geographically close to the Chinese mainland. However, there is no evidence that China discovered the islands before other countries, and simply discovering the islands or being close to them does not establish sovereignty. Under international law, to obtain recognition of territorial rights, it is necessary to demonstrate that a clear intention to exercise sovereignty has been continuously and peacefully exercised.

However, China has yet to present any evidence that it has effectively controlled the Senkaku Islands. On the contrary, China's continued military demonstrations have prompted a strong response from the Japanese government. After Japan transferred ownership of the three islands (Uotsuri-shima, Kitakojima, and Minamikojima) in the Senkaku Islands from private to state ownership in September 2012, the Chinese Coast Guard has been entering the contiguous zone near the Senkaku Islands almost daily, except during inclement weather. It also intrudes into territorial waters several times a month.

Furthermore, in January 2021, China enacted the "Coast Guard Law," which defines the powers and authority of the Coast Guard, but this law contains ambiguous provisions regarding the applicable area and the right to use weapons that conflict with international law. This is a worrisome situation, as it could infringe on the legitimate interests of Japan and other related countries. Chinese Coast Guard vessels continue to attempt to unilaterally change the status quo, such as approaching Japanese fishing boats near the Senkaku Islands or entering territorial waters with cannons mounted.

The Japanese government maintains that the Senkaku Islands are indisputably Japanese territory, both historically and under international law, and are currently under the effective control of Japan. Therefore, Japan argues that there is no territorial issue surrounding the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government is demanding that Chinese Coast Guard vessels leave the area, lodging strong protests with the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, demanding that they leave immediately and prevent recurrence. The policy is to firmly respond while calmly claiming what needs to be claimed.