China expels Japanese vessel unlawfully entering waters of Diaoyu Dao

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Tuesday expelled a Japanese fishing vessel that had unlawfully entered China's territorial waters around Diaoyu Dao, according to a spokesperson for the CCG.

CCG vessels enforced necessary, lawful management and control measures against the Japanese vessel, and issued warnings to drive it out of the area, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said.

Stressing that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, Liu urged Japan to immediately cease all acts of infringement and provocation in these waters.

"The CCG will continue to conduct rights-protection law enforcement operations in the waters of Diaoyu Dao to firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson added.

(With input from Xinhua)