According to both Chinese and Japanese statements, Chinese and Japanese coastguard vessels engaged in a standoff around a group disputed islands in East China Sea.

Both countries claim the islands. In Japan, they are called the Senkakus, and in China the Diaoyus. Both nations have coast guard vessels that patrol the waters in dispute.

Beijing said Monday that it had taken "necessary measures" to "drive away" four Japanese patrol boats and fishing vessels between June 20-24.

In a press release, a coast guard spokesperson said: "We urge Japan immediately to cease all illegal activity in the area in order to prevent similar incidents from recurring."

The Japan Coast Guard released a news release on late Monday saying that two of the four Chinese coastguard ships were in the area and headed towards Japanese fishing boats operating in territorial waters near the islands. However, they "were warned not to approach" by the Japan Coast Guard, who "repeatedly told them to leave". Reporting by Ella Cao, Ryan Woo, and Tim Kelly from Beijing; editing by Alison Williams and Gerry Doyle