Japan spots Chinese survey ship in disputed East China Sea waters

Japan’s Coast Guard said it detected a Chinese marine research vessel operating inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near disputed islands on March 30, prompting a radio warning and a demand that the activity stop.

The vessel, identified as the Chinese oceanographic survey ship Xiang Yang Hong 22, was spotted around 1:30 p.m. local time about 37 nautical miles (69 km) west-northwest of Uotsuri Island, Caliber.Az reports per Japanese media.

Japan’s Coast Guard said the ship appeared to be deploying pipe-like equipment from its sides and wire-like instruments from its stern into the sea, suggesting it was conducting marine scientific research. A patrol vessel issued a radio warning stating that such activity without Japan’s consent is not permitted within its EEZ.

The disputed waters are part of a chain of islands known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands and in China as the Diaoyu Islands. Both Japan and China claim sovereignty over the islands, and the surrounding waters have long been a source of tension between the two countries.

Japanese and Chinese vessels have repeatedly faced off in the area, with both sides deploying patrol ships and urging the other to leave what they consider their territorial or maritime jurisdiction.

The Coast Guard said it continues to monitor the Chinese vessel and has reiterated its demand that the activity be halted.

By Aghakazim Guliyev