Taipei, Jan. 24 (CNA) A Taiwanese protest boat entered a face-off with Japanese coast guard vessels in waters near the Diaoyutai Islands Thursday as it was attempting to approach the area to uphold Taiwan's sovereignty over the disputed island group.

The boat, escorted by Taiwanese coast guard boats, was carrying a group of Taiwanese activists planning to enshrine a statue of the sea goddess Matsu on the Diaoyutais, which are currently controlled by Japan but are also claimed by Taiwan and China.

The boat was blocked by eight Japan Coast Guard ships 28 nautical miles from the Diaoyutais, according to officials of Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration.

(By Johnson Liu and Y.F. Low)
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