BEIJING/TOKYO: Japan’s seizure of a Chinese fishing boat and arrest of its captain has heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. The incident occurred Thursday in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, 89.4 nautical miles south-southwest of Meshima island in the Goto archipelago. It marks the first arrest of a Chinese fishing vessel by Japan since 2022.
Japanese authorities said the vessel, named Qiong Dong Yu, failed to comply with an inspection order and fled, prompting the arrest of 47-year-old captain Zheng Nianli. Japan’s fisheries agency emphasized it will continue strict enforcement to prevent illegal foreign fishing. The status of the other 10 crew members remains unclear.
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China condemned the action, urging Japan to protect the rights and safety of the crew and to adhere to the China-Japan fisheries agreement. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Japan’s rhetoric on Taiwan, calling for genuine dialogue based on mutual respect, rather than confrontation. Beijing has also warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan following recent diplomatic frictions.
The incident comes three months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that Japan could intervene militarily if China attempted to take Taiwan by force. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has adopted a hawkish stance on China and pledged to strengthen Japan’s defenses, while also expressing openness to dialogue.
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The latest seizure adds to a series of maritime disputes between the two nations, including repeated incidents near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Past arrests, such as in 2010, triggered major diplomatic tensions. Analysts warn that ongoing confrontations over fishing rights and Taiwan could further strain the already fragile China-Japan relationship.