Japanese authorities released Chinese captain Zheng Nianli on 13/2, after China guaranteed his bail. Zheng, 47 years old, had been apprehended on 12/2 in "Japan's exclusive economic zone", 166 km south-southwest of Meshima island.

The Japan Fisheries Agency accused Zheng of failing to comply with their order to stop his vessel for inspection, which led to the arrest. "To prevent illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels, we will continue to take decisive action and carry out law enforcement operations," stated Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara.

A Japanese fisheries patrol vessel (left) and a Chinese fishing boat off Nagasaki province on 12/2. *AFP*

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lam Kiem expressed hope that Japan "will seriously respect the China-Japan fisheries agreement, enforce laws fairly, and protect the safety, legitimate rights, and interests of Chinese crew members."

This incident marks the first time the Japan Fisheries Agency has apprehended a Chinese fishing boat since 2022. It also occurred three months after diplomatic tensions arose between the two countries concerning a statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan island.

In 11/2025, Takaichi stated that Tokyo might take military action if Taiwan island were attacked. Taiwan island is approximately 100 km from Japan's nearest island. China strongly protested Takaichi's statement, summoned Japan's ambassador, warned its citizens against traveling to the country, and conducted joint exercises with Russia. China also tightened controls on exports to Japan for items with potential military use and reportedly ceased seafood imports from Japan.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, CNA, Japan Times)