Japan Orders Chinese Survey Ship To Stop Operations In Disputed Waters Near Senkaku Islands

Japan’s Coast Guard said it spotted a Chinese marine research vessel operating inside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the disputed Senkaku Islands and ordered it to stop its activities.

The vessel was seen west-northwest of Uotsuri Island on Monday, and officials said the work was being carried out without Japan’s permission.

The Chinese oceanographic survey ship Xiang Yang Hong 22 was detected around 1:30 p.m. (0430 GMT), about 37 nautical miles (69 km) from Uotsuri Island.

According to the coast guard, the ship was lowering pipe-like equipment from both sides and wire-like instruments from its stern into the sea, suggesting it was conducting research.

A Japanese patrol vessel contacted the ship by radio and said that marine scientific research inside its EEZ without consent is not allowed.

The coast guard said it has continued to monitor the vessel and repeated its demand for the activity to stop.

The waters around the islands remain disputed. Japan administers the islands and calls them the Senkaku Islands, while China claims them and calls them Diaoyu.

The uninhabited islands lie between Taiwan and Japan’s Okinawa region and have been a source of tension for many years.

Coast guard vessels from both countries regularly operate in the area, and such encounters are common.

Chinese research ships and other vessels are often seen entering nearby waters, while Japan continues to challenge these movements.

Ties between the two countries are already strained. Tensions have increased in recent months after comments by Japanese leaders on Taiwan, which China considers its territory.

Beijing criticised the remarks and warned its citizens about travelling to Japan. It also tightened some trade measures.

References: Reuters, Firstpost