The Japan Coast Guard said its patrol aircraft spotted the ship around 8:00 am (2300 GMT Friday) as it sailed near the uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

Official Japanese aircraft and ships warned the Chinese not to enter the territorial waters that Japan claims as its own, the coast guard said in a statement.

The Chinese ship, which did not enter the territorial waters, responded that it was only patrolling the area.

It was the second time this year that a Chinese vessel sailed close to the disputed islands, as China's increased naval activities continue to cause friction with neighboring nations.

Beijing declared late last year that it would increase patrols near the disputed islands to protect its fishing grounds, which also show prospects for possible underground energy reserves.

A tense territorial row broke out in September after Japan arrested a Chinese trawler captain in the area, bringing ties between the Asian rivals to their lowest point in years.

The arrest sparked serious protests from China, which cut or dramatically reduced political, cultural and economic exchanges with Japan. The two have since worked to get their relationship back on an even keel.

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