The Japan Fisheries Agency announced on 13/2 the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat, stating that its captain was ordered by a fisheries inspector to stop for inspection but failed to comply and fled.

The agency added that the captain was arrested on the same day.

Japanese officials reported the incident occurred the previous day in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki prefecture, approximately 165 km south-southwest of Meshima island. The captain, a 47-year-old Chinese national, was on board with 11 crew members.

Chinese officials have not yet commented on the matter.

A Chinese fishing boat anchored in Zhoushan city in 2019. Photo: Reuters

The Japan Fisheries Agency is tasked with inspecting vessels and conducting other operations in the waters surrounding Japan. This marks the first time the agency has announced the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat since 2022.

This arrest occurs amidst escalating tensions between Japan and China. In 11/2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that Tokyo might take military action if Taiwan is attacked. Taiwan is approximately 100 km from Japan's nearest island.

China strongly protested Takaichi's statement, summoning the Japanese ambassador and issuing travel warnings to its citizens. Beijing also conducted joint military exercises with Russia. According to Tokyo, in 12/2025, Chinese J-15 fighter jets operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked their radars on Japanese F-15 fighter jets in international waters near Okinawa.

Furthermore, China tightened export controls on goods to Japan that could have military applications and reportedly halted seafood imports from the country.

Beijing and Tokyo also have numerous territorial disputes, with vessels from both nations frequently encountering each other near the contested Diaoyu/Senkaku islands.

By Pham Giang (Based on reports from AFP, Kyodo)