Kathmandu. BEIJING (AP) — China announced on Tuesday it has expelled a Japanese fishing vessel for illegally entering Chinese waters.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard (CCG), said the Japanese fishing vessel was removed with a warning after it illegally entered the territorial waters of China’s Diaao Dao region.

He said the CCG had taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued a warning and returned the ship, emphasizing that Diao Dao and its islands are integral Chinese territory.

“The CCG will continue to conduct rights-protection law enforcement operations in the waters of Diaoy Dao to firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” he said.