Beijing and Tokyo in new maritime stand-off after Japan seizes Chinese boat, holds captain

Japanese authorities said the incident occurred on Thursday inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off its southwestern Nagasaki prefecture after the Chinese vessel allegedly tried to flee an inspection.Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that the Chinese government had consistently required the country’s fishermen to operate according to laws and regulations while firmly safeguarding their lawful rights and interests.02:49China reveals radio communications heard before mid-air stand-off with Japanese fightersChina reveals radio communications heard before mid-air stand-off with Japanese fighters“It is hoped the Japanese side will strictly abide by the China-Japan fisheries agreement, enforce the law impartially and ensure the safety as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members,” Lin said.Japan’s fisheries agency said in a statement earlier in the day that the Chinese vessel’s captain was ordered to stop for an inspection “but the vessel failed to comply and fled”. The 47-year-old captain, Zheng Nianli, was arrested on the same day.The boat carried a further 10 crew members and was about 170km (106 miles) southwest of the island of Meshima, which is under the jurisdiction of Goto city.“To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm action and engage in enforcement activities,” Japanese chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said on Friday.