Japanese Survey Ship Operating in Japan's EEZ Near Okinawa Told to Stop by China

(Taipei, July 1) According to Kyodo News, the Japan Coast Guard revealed on July 1 that the survey ship "Takuya," which was conducting survey activities within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) approximately 290 kilometers northwest of the main island of Okinawa, was repeatedly asked to stop its operations by vessels belonging to the China Coast Guard.

According to the report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kiihara stated at a press conference: "We have lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels, stating that China's demand to stop is unacceptable."

The Japan Coast Guard stated that the ship was conducting basic seabed surveys related to the continental shelf at the time. Around 10 p.m. on June 30, Chinese Coast Guard vessels transmitted messages via radio such as "Stop the survey and leave immediately," and continued to repeatedly demand that the ship stop.

However, the survey ship responded by stating, "We are conducting legitimate survey activities in accordance with international law," and continued its operations.

Similar incidents where Japanese Coast Guard survey ships were asked to stop by Chinese vessels during surveys occurred previously in 2010 and 2012. (Editor: Jianling Zhu / Jiarong Lu) 1150701

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