SHANGHAI - Three Chinese fishery patrol ships engaged in a verbal confrontation with Japanese Coast Guard ships in waters near the Diaoyu Islands on Wednesday, fishery authorities said Thursday.

The Yuzheng-202, Yuzheng-204 and Yuzheng-35001 encountered Japanese Coast Guard vessels near the Diaoyu Islands early Wednesday during a routine patrol, according to East China Sea Fishery Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture.

"The Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islets have been part of Chinese territory since ancient times. Our fishery patrol ships are conducting their normal duties in protecting fishery activity in Chinese waters. Please do not interfere and leave immediately," the Chinese ships said via radio when asked by the Japanese ships to leave the area.

The Chinese vessels have regrouped and are continuing to patrol the area.

The China Fishery Administration Bureau has included areas near the Diaoyu Islands as part of its regular patrols since 2010.