⚓️🇯🇵 Japan seizes Chinese fishing vessel amid rising tensions

Oneliner

Japan has seized a Chinese fishing vessel and arrested its captain, Zheng Nianli, for refusing to comply with an inspection in Japan's exclusive economic zone near Nagasaki. This incident, the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat since 2022, is expected to escalate tensions between Japan and China, particularly following recent remarks by Japan's Prime Minister regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan. China has urged Japan to respect the rights of the crew and warned of diplomatic repercussions.

Key points

• Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat in its exclusive economic zone, marking the first such incident since 2022.
• The captain, Zheng Nianli, was arrested after refusing to comply with an inspection order.
• China has urged Japan to respect the rights of the crew and warned of escalating diplomatic tensions.
• This incident follows recent remarks by Japan's Prime Minister regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan.

Links

• The Guardian: Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat inside its economic waters amid rift with Beijing
• France 24: Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat and arrests captain
• Deutsche Welle: Japón incauta barco pesquero chino entre tensión bilateral
• La Libre: Le Japon arrête le capitaine d'un bateau chinois et saisit l'embarcation
• El Mundo: Japón incauta un pesquero chino y agrava la crisis con Pekín
• Le Figaro: Le Japon saisit un bateau de pêche chinois et arrête le capitaine
• France 24: Le Japon arrête le capitaine d'un bateau de pêche chinois, Pékin proteste

Facts

• The seizure occurred on February 12, 2026, about 170 kilometers from Nagasaki.
• The captain, Zheng Nianli, is 47 years old and was arrested for evading an inspection.
• This is the first seizure of a Chinese fishing vessel by Japan since 2022.
• Japan's Fisheries Agency has previously seized vessels from Taiwan and South Korea.

Quotes

• To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm measures and carry out enforcement activities — Minoru Kihara
• It is hoped Japan strictly respects the China-Japan fisheries agreement, fairly enforces the law and safeguards the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members — Lin Jian

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