A Chinese fighter jet intercepted a Japanese surveillance aircraft over the East China Sea, escalating tensions amid ongoing territorial disputes and prompting Tokyo to lodge a diplomatic protest.

South Korea on July 9 repatriated six North Korean nationals who had been rescued earlier this year from drifting boats in the East and West Seas. The group—all men in their 30s and 40s with families in North Korea—had repeatedly expressed their desire to return home,

South Korea on Wednesday repatriated six North Koreans across the maritime border in the East Sea, months after they drifted into southern waters and were rescued.

China said it conducted oil and gas exploration activities in the East China Sea in "undisputed waters" under its jurisdiction.

Turbo sazae, Jeju Island, East Sea, climate change, marine life, ocean currents, genetics, sea warming, migration, biodiversity.

China has begun construction of a new structure in waters between China and Japan in the disputed East China Sea, the Japanese foreign ministry said on Tuesday, adding it has lodged a protest with China.

Syuka World, a popular economic YouTube channel with 3.6 million subscribers, apologized for using a map labeling the East Sea as the Sea of Japan during a recent broadcast. Jeon Seok-jae, the creator of Syuka World, issued an apology on Monday and pledged to donate 30 million won ($21,960) to descendants of Korean independence fighters as an expression of remorse.

South Korea sent six North Koreans back across their sea border, months after they drifted south in wooden boats in March and May.

As crew members are rescued from a ship sunk by Yemeni Houthis, the US says some of the missing have been taken hostage. In Germany, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Israel to help Palestinians in need.