Japanese authorities said they seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain on Friday.
Officials reported that the Chinese national entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and ignored repeated orders to stop for an on-board inspection.
“In order to prevent and deter illegal operations by foreign fishing vessels, we will continue to carry out enforcement activities with a firm and resolute stance, ” said Minoru Kihara, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary.
China responded, urging Japan to abide by their bilateral fisheries agreement.
“China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed the hope on Friday that Japan will strictly abide by the fisheries agreement between both countries, enforce the law in a fair and impartial manner, and ensure the safety as well as the lawful rights and interests of Chinese crew members,” China’s state-run media China Daily reported.
“China has consistently required its fishermen to operate in accordance with laws and regulations, while firmly safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, Lin told a daily news briefing,” the report added.
The arrest comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the region’s two largest economies after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks about Taiwan in November last year.
