TOKYO, November 3. /TASS/. Two patrol vessels of China have entered the zone of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which Japan considers it territorial waters, the local coast guard said.

The Chinese boats were seen at 9:30 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) near the Outsuri Island. Japanese border guards have asked the boats to leave the area, but took no active actions against them.

Chinese vessels have entered the zone near the Senkaku Islands for the 27th time since early this year.

The territorial dispute around the islands between Japan and China escalated after Tokyo announced plans to buy the islands from private owners in September 2012. Shortly after, mass anti-Japan demonstrations hit China.

Since then, Chinese vessels have constantly stayed near the disputed islands and entered the coastal area. This year, Japan’s Coast Guard has requested a 100% increase in its budget for 2015 to $447 million.

The funds will be spent on purchases of new patrol boats and aircraft, and also organizing round-the-clock patrolling of the territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands.