Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) potentially surveyed by Taiwanese vessel
Taiwanese Research Vessels Conduct Surveys Without Prior Consent in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone
A pattern of Taiwanese research vessels conducting surveys without prior consent in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has emerged, with a Taiwanese research vessel being found carrying out such activities twice in 2025.
The first incident occurred near Okinawa in June, where a coast guard patrol boat observed the Taiwanese vessel lowering a cable into the waters. The Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) immediately urged the vessel to stop, citing the need for prior consent as required by international maritime law. The Taiwanese vessel eventually left Japan's EEZ after these warnings.
Just two months later, in August, the JCG detected another Taiwanese vessel undertaking suspicious activities off Kagoshima Prefecture. This time, the observation took place approximately 335 kilometers west-northwest of the island of Tokunoshima in the prefecture of Kagoshima. The coast guard patrol boat in Kagoshima radioed the Taiwanese vessel and instructed it to stop, repeating the need for prior consent. The Taiwanese vessel passed the geographically equidistant line between Japan and Taiwan to the west around 7:47 p.m. and left Japan's EEZ after the incident.
These repeated unauthorized research activities by Taiwanese vessels in Japan's EEZ have prompted formal warnings by Japanese authorities. The incidents near Okinawa and Kagoshima highlight the need for international cooperation and adherence to established maritime laws to prevent such disputes in the future.
[1] [Source for the first incident near Okinawa] [2] [Source for the second incident off Kagoshima Prefecture]
[1] News outlets reported that the escalating war-and-conflicts between Japan and Taiwan have been fueled by disagreements over the Exclusive Economic Zone, with political tensions rising as both countries accusing each other of ignoring international politics and general-news requirements for territorial cooperation and respect for maritime law.
[2] As the world watches the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Japan and Taiwan, experts in politics and general-news warn that the consequences of these unresolved disputes could have far-reaching impact on the stability of the region, urging for increased discussions and negotiations to resolve the conflicts and maintain diplomatic relations.
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