Tokyo releases captain of Chinese fishing boat found in Japanese EEZ

Japan released the captain of a Chinese fishing boat on Friday after arresting him on Thursday for allegedly fleeing inspection within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Nagasaki prefecture. The Japanese fisheries agency stated the boat, Qiong Dong Yu, was seized after failing to comply with an order to stop for inspection. The captain, Zheng Nianli, was released after China provided documents guaranteeing bail payment. China's foreign ministry urged Japan to protect the rights of the crew members and adhere to the China-Japan fisheries agreement, ensuring their safety and legitimate interests. The Chinese consulate general in Fukuoka is assisting the crew with their return.

Japanese authorities released a Chinese fishing boat captain, Zheng Nianli, on Friday after detaining him for over 30 hours. Zheng was arrested near Japan's Goto Islands in the East China Sea for allegedly ignoring a request for inspection after entering Japan's exclusive economic zone. The incident raised concerns about escalating tensions between Japan and China, already strained by recent political disagreements, including a Japanese Prime Minister's comment regarding Taiwan. China had previously responded to the comment with economic and cultural reprisals against Japan. While the crew remained on board the seized vessel, the captain's release is seen as a move to de-escalate the situation.

Japanese authorities seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain, Zheng Nianli, on Thursday within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Nagasaki prefecture. The Japanese fisheries agency stated the vessel attempted to flee an inspection, leading to the captain's arrest. The boat had 10 other crew members and was located near Meshima Island. In response, China's foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, stated that China urges Japan to abide by the China-Japan fisheries agreement, ensure the safety of the crew, and enforce the law impartially. Japan's government spokesman, Minoru Kihara, affirmed Japan's commitment to preventing illegal fishing by foreign vessels through firm enforcement actions.

Japanese authorities seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its 47-year-old skipper on Thursday within Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture. The Fisheries Agency stated the skipper is accused of ignoring an order to stop for inspection by a Japanese fisheries control officer. The incident occurred approximately 170km southwest of Meshima Island in Goto, Nagasaki. This is the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat by the agency since 2022 and the first foreign fishing boat seized this year. The boat had a crew of 11. The Fisheries Agency conducts inspections to combat illegal fishing in waters surrounding Japan.