Japan Seizes Chinese Fishing Vessel, Arrests Captain In Exclusive Economic Zone

Japanese authorities have seized a Chinese fishing vessel and arrested its 47-year-old captain after the boat failed to comply with an inspection order, officials said.

The incident occurred on Thursday inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, approximately 166 kilometres south-southwest of Meshima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture.

The vessel, identified as Qiong Dong Yu, was carrying 11 people, including the captain.

Japan’s fisheries agency reported that the skipper ignored an order to stop for an inspection and attempted to evade authorities, leading to his arrest on the same day.

This is the first seizure of a Chinese fishing vessel by Japanese authorities since 2022.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Minoru Kihara, said the government will continue taking firm measures to prevent and deter illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels.

In November, Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, indicated that Japan could take military action if China attempted to take Taiwan by force, prompting a diplomatic response from Beijing, which included summoning Japan’s ambassador, restricting travel for Chinese citizens to Japan, and conducting joint air exercises with Russia.

China also tightened export controls on items with potential military applications and reportedly suspended imports of Japanese seafood.

Japan and China have long-standing territorial disputes, particularly around the Diaoyu Islands, known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands.

The arrest of a Chinese fishing captain in 2010 in the East China Sea previously led to a major dispute between the two countries.

Prime Minister Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, has stated that her administration would strengthen national defences and safeguard Japan’s territory, while remaining open to dialogue with China.

China’s foreign ministry has responded that dialogue must be based on mutual respect and criticised Japan for its remarks regarding Taiwan.

References: Reuters, WSJ

Source: Maritime Shipping News