Japan flags Chinese survey ship operating in disputed waters

TOKYO, Japan – Japan’s Coast Guard said it had confirmed a Chinese marine research vessel was operating in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) west-northwest of Uotsuri Island on Monday, March 30, and had demanded that the activity be halted.

The island is part of a chain of islands claimed by both countries. China and Japan have faced off in the waters around the islands, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands and China calls Diaoyu, deploying patrol boats and urging the other to leave the area.

The Chinese oceanographic survey ship Xiang Yang Hong 22 was spotted around 1:30 pm (0430 GMT), about 37 nautical miles (69 km) from Uotsuri Island, and was seen extending pipe-like equipment from both sides of the ship and wire-like equipment from its stern into the sea, the coast guard said.

Japan’s patrol vessel issued a radio warning to the Chinese ship that marine scientific research conducted without Japan’s consent was not permissible. The coast guard continues to monitor the vessel and repeat its demand for the activity to be stopped, it said in a statement late on Monday. – Rappler.com