China is expressing grave concern over a collision between two Japanese patrol boats and a Chinese fishing vessel in the waters off the Diaoyu islands.

A Japanese patrol vessel from the Maritime Safety Agency crashed a Chinese fishing boat near the Diaoyu Island Tuesday morning. Later another two Japanese patrol vessels tailed after the boat which had 15 people onboard. 22 Japanese Maritime Safety officials then boarded the Chinese boat and ordered it to stop sailing.

They claim the boat violated the Fisheries Law of Japan and carried out what they said were necessary checks. No injuries have been reported so far. The Chinese Foreign Ministry says it made a serious representation to Japan and demanded Japan stop illegally inception of Chinese boats off the Diaoyu Islands.

Jiang Yu, Spokesperson of Foreign Ministry said, "We stress the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets have been part of China's territory since ancient times. We demand the Japanese coast patrol not carry out the so-called 'petition' activities at sea near the Diaoyu Islands, nor can they take any actions that may endanger Chinese fishing boats and personnel. We will keep a close eye on the development of the situation and reserve our rights to take further action."

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