China ‘testing’ Tokyo with underwater survey off Japan’s coast, analysts say
- Chinese vessel detected 90km south of a group of uninhabited islands which Japan controls but China claims sovereignty over
- ‘The more China operates in other countries’ exclusive economic zones, the more US, Australia, Japan can do the same,’ an analyst said
Japan has reacted angrily after a Chinese government vessel was detected apparently conducting an underwater survey without permission within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Okinawa in the nation’s southwest, the latest provocative maritime action by Beijing.
The nation’s coastguard identified the vessel, the Dong Fang Hong 3, operating in an area 73km (45 miles) north of the inhabited island of Ishigaki shortly after midday on Saturday.
The Chinese ship was around 90km south of the uninhabited Diaoyu Islands, about 400km west from Okinawa, which Japan controls and calls the Senkakus. However, China claims sovereignty over them.
Analysts say the incident is the latest in a series of apparent tests designed to gauge Japanese reactions. In March, a Chinese ship was spotted carrying out a similar maritime survey within Japan’s EEZ off Kume Island, which is around 100km west of Okinawa’s main island.
The Japanese coastguard reported that Saturday’s vessel had deployed cables off its stern and appeared to be conducting research. The service then instructed the Chinese ship to halt its activities but the request was ignored.