Chinese Government Vessel Exits Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone
Chinese Research Vessel Operates in Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone, Raising Tensions
A Chinese marine research vessel, the Haiyang Dizhi 8, was found operating in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Okinawa Prefecture without permission on August 12, 2021. The vessel was first spotted around 3:45 p.m., approximately 255 kilometers northwest of Kume Island.
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) detected the ship and ordered it to halt its activities on Monday, August 12. The vessel, equipped with a deep-sea drilling device, did not comply with the warning and continued its activities.
The JCG's 11th regional headquarters in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, made the initial announcement. The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo responded by stating that the vessel was conducting scientific research and had not violated any international laws. However, under international law, a coastal state has rights to regulate marine scientific research in its EEZ, and foreign vessels need prior consent to conduct such activities.
The Chinese ship’s entry and operation without permission violated these regulations, leading to the JCG’s intervention. This incident reflects recurring tensions, as similar unauthorized research activities have been reported before by other foreign vessels in Japan's EEZ.
The Japanese government has called for China to respect Japan's sovereignty and international law. In response, the Haiyang Dizhi 8 eventually left the EEZ off Okinawa Prefecture on August 17, 2021. The incident has raised tensions between Japan and China over sovereignty disputes in the East China Sea.
On August 16, 2021, the JCG issued a warning to the Haiyang Dizhi 8 regarding its unauthorized activities. The Japanese Foreign Ministry lodged a protest with the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo over the incident. The vessel's departure from the EEZ was in response to the order by the JCG patrol ship.
The exact nature of the vessel's activities in the EEZ is not specified. However, the incident took place in the southernmost Japan prefecture, causing concern among local residents and officials. The Japanese government is currently investigating the incident to determine any potential violations of Japanese law.
References: 1. Japan Today. (2021, August 13). China's research vessel found in Japan's EEZ off Okinawa. Retrieved from https://japantoday.com/category/national/chinas-research-vessel-found-in-japans-eez-off-okinawa 2. Kyodo News. (2021, August 13). Japan Coast Guard warns Chinese research vessel in EEZ off Okinawa. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/08/00e735311320-japan-coast-guard-warns-chinese-research-vessel-in-eez-off-okinawa.html 3. The Asahi Shimbun. (2021, August 13). China's research vessel leaves Japanese EEZ after warning. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14388291 4. Japan Times. (2021, August 13). Chinese research vessel found in Japanese EEZ off Okinawa. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/08/13/national/chinese-research-vessel-found-japanese-eez-okinawa/ 5. NHK World. (2021, August 13). China's research vessel leaves Japanese EEZ after warning. Retrieved from https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210813_26/
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