BEIJING - A China Coast Guard spokesperson on Thursday said that a Japanese fishing vessel had been expelled after illegally entering the territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Islands.

The CCG has taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued warnings and drove the vessel away after it illegally entered the waters from Wednesday to Thursday, according to CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun.

Emphasizing that Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, Liu urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters.

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"The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement operations in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Islands to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Liu added.