TOKYO — Chinese government vessels were spotted in waters near the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, inside Japan's contiguous zone, for a record 66th consecutive day on Thursday, June 18.

Citing a spokesman for the Japan 11th Regional Coast Guard headquarters, the Stars and Stripes reported that four Chinese coast guard vessels appeared about 18 miles north-northwest of Uotsuri Island around 9 a.m. Thursday.

Also on Thursday, a Chinese submarine was detected underwater heading west near Amami Oshima Island, the Japan Times reported, citing the ministry of defense.

China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own territory and refers to them as the Diaoyutai.