The China Coast Guard expelled a Japanese fishing vessel that illegally entered the territorial waters of Diaoyu Island from Saturday to Sunday, the CCG said on Sunday.

In a statement, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said that Chinese coast guard vessels took necessary control measures and issued warnings to drive the vessel away.

He emphasized that Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are an inherent part of China's territory and urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters.

The CCG will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities within the territorial waters of Diaoyu Island to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Liu said.