Recent data reveals an unprecedented number of Chinese vessels navigating the waters around the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. This increased activity, noted as the highest on record, is seen as China's form of expressing territorial claims. Japan maintains its stance of denying China's claims over these islands located in the East China Sea, heightening international tension between the two nations. Actual enforcement activities have not been reported.

This issue is highly sensitive within Japan, with national sovereignty at the forefront of the political conversation. The islands, although uninhabited, are of strategic importance both economically and militarily. Disputes over ownership often raise nationalist sentiments and can significantly affect Japan's diplomatic relations and regional stability.

Territorial disputes like this one are not isolated to Japan and China. In the US, there have been issues related to border control and litigation with Mexico. In the EU, maritime disputes have also been common, particularly surrounding fishing rights post-Brexit. Whilst the contexts differ, the complexities and sensitivities of territorial disputes are similar.