China’s Ships Sail Near Disputed Islands US Has Pledged To Defend

China’s coast guard sent a flotilla of ships into the territorial waters of the disputed Senkaku Islands on Friday, less than 48 hours after President Joe Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’ “unwavering commitment” to defend the Japan-controlled territory from an attack. A brief statement on its website and social media channels said the patrol led by the Chinese maritime law enforcement vessel 2502, a 5,500-ton Shuoshi II-class cutter, was “to protect China’s rights.” The uninhabited island group, which Beijing calls the Diaoyu Islands, are located in the East China Sea, roughly 120 miles northeast of self-ruled Taiwan, which China’s leaders also…