Japan Confirms Fifth Chinese Survey in Amami EEZ as Vessel Leaves After Warning
Officials say the same Chinese research ship has returned repeatedly, triggering warnings under Japan’s policy requiring consent for EEZ surveys.
Overview
- The Japan Coast Guard identified the Chinese oceanographic ship Xiangyanghong 22 about 420 kilometers west of Amami Oshima inside Japan’s EEZ on October 4.
- Coast Guard patrols observed a pipe-like device extended into the sea at around 11:20 a.m. local time, indicating survey activity.
- Officers radioed that oceanographic research without Japan’s consent is not permitted and demanded the activity stop.
- The vessel crossed the geographic median line to the west at approximately 12:15 p.m. and exited the EEZ after the warning.
- This was the fifth such activity by the same ship in the area, following two instances in late September and two more on October 1 and 2.