China Defends Right of Transit Through Tokara Strait Amid Japanese Protest

China has defended the passage of its vessels through the Tokara Strait, asserting their actions are legitimate and in accordance with international law. This comes after Japan lodged a protest, claiming a Chinese naval survey ship entered its territorial waters. The Chinese foreign ministry responded during a regular briefing.

China has defended its vessels' passage through the Tokara Strait as fully legitimate and in line with international law, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson during a regular press briefing on Monday.

The statement was made in response to a protest from Japan, which claimed one of China's naval survey ships entered Japanese waters on Saturday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Tokara Strait is designated for international navigation, making the Chinese vessels' transit lawful.

(With inputs from agencies.)