China's research incursion prompts Japan's diplomatic protest
Japan has lodged a diplomatic protest against China for conducting research in its economic zone without permission. A Chinese ship was detected near Okinotori Island.
Key information
- Japan has lodged a diplomatic protest against China.
- A Chinese ship conducted research in Japan's economic zone.
- This is the ninth such incident in the past decade.
Japan issued a diplomatic protest to China after a Chinese ship conducted scientific research in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without prior notification. The incident took place on Monday when the Japanese coast guard detected a Chinese vessel about 275 kilometres east of Okinotori Island.
Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi described the actions of the Chinese ship as "unacceptable." The Japanese coast guard noticed that the ship was deploying something that looked like a cable into the water. Instructions were immediately given to cease these activities, emphasizing that conducting research without permission is against international law.
The Chinese ship left Japan's EEZ on Monday at around 7:45 AM Eastern Time. Japanese officials noted that this is the ninth such incident in the past ten years. The previous one took place on January 1, 2024.
Recurring incidents
Japan has repeatedly expressed its concern over China's actions in the region. Recurring incidents involving Chinese ships in Japan's economic zone pose a significant challenge to the relationship between these countries.
Consequences for international relations
Such actions could impact further diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Japan emphasizes that adherence to international law is crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
