Japanese coast guard authorities have detained a Chinese fishing vessel caught conducting unauthorized operations within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Nagasaki coast. The vessel traveled roughly 165 kilometers from the mainland before precise positioning confirmed the violation.
Details of the Seizure
Officials boarded the vessel after it ignored multiple warnings to cease fishing activities. The 47-year-old captain now faces charges under Japan’s fishery law for disregarding regulations on foreign vessel movements and continuing illegal fishing. The boat carried 11 crew members at the time of the interception.
Coast guard teams acted swiftly upon detecting the intrusion, verifying the exact location within the EEZ and securing the vessel to prevent further infractions.
Enforcement and Penalties
Japan maintains strict oversight of its EEZ to protect marine resources. Unauthorized fishing triggers immediate intervention, with potential fines reaching up to 300 million yen (approximately 2.8 billion won) in severe cases. The maximum penalty period stands at three years for repeat offenders.
Context of Rising Tensions
This marks the first such capture of a Chinese vessel in four years, dating back to 2022. Recent incidents include a Chinese fishing boat near the Diaoyu Islands (known as Senkaku in Japan) in November last year, sparking heightened vigilance amid ongoing territorial disputes.
China has issued a formal protest, condemning the action as an overreach. Historical clashes, such as the 2010 Senkaku incident where Japan seized a Chinese captain, continue to strain bilateral relations over fishing rights in contested waters.
