Tokyo, June 23 -- Chinese vessels have been spotted by Japan in proximity to the disputed islets in the East China Sea for an unprecedented 216 consecutive days, as reported by the Japan Coast Guard and cited by Taipei Times.

The islands, administered by Japan and referred to as the Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan, have long been a source of tension. They are claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan. The prolonged presence of Chinese ships is adding to tensions, especially amid joint Japan-US-Philippines military drills and China's growing military presence, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier near Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to reports from the Taipei Times, Japan observed four Ch...