China sends ships to disputed isles for ‘law enforcement’

In this Sept. 2, 2012 file photo, the survey ship Koyo Maru, left, chartered by Tokyo city officials, sails around Minamikojima, foreground, Kitakojima, middle right, and Uotsuri, background, the tiny islands in the East China Sea, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese. AP/Kyodo News

BEIJING — Beijing said Friday two surveillance fleets that entered Japanese waters close to disputed islands in defiance of warnings from Tokyo would conduct “law enforcement” activities.

The fleets arrived days after the Japanese government announced it had completed its planned purchase of the islands in the East China Sea, which it administers and knows as Senkaku, but which China claims as Diaoyu.

“Two Chinese surveillance ship fleets arrived at waters around the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islands on September 14, 2012 to start patrol and law enforcement,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

“These law enforcement and patrol activities are designed to demonstrate China’s jurisdiction over the islands and safeguard its maritime interests.”

Japan’s coast guard said it had issued warnings telling the Chinese ships to leave.

The disputed archipelago in the East China Sea is around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Naha, the main city of Okinawa, and 200 kilometers from Taiwan.