A Chinese marine research vessel was spotted operating within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), some 189 kilometers south of Hateruma Island, Okinawa Prefecture, at around 9:35 a.m. Sunday.
A patrol boat with Japan's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, based in Naha, observed the Chinese vessel, the Marine Geology No. 12, extending a wire-like object into the sea. Judging that the Chinese vessel was conducting unauthorized research in Japanese waters, the Coast Guard called on the Chinese ship to cease and desist.
The Chinese ship sailed out of the EEZ around noon. It was the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese marine research ship within Japan's EEZ around Okinawa Prefecture since July 2019.
The Japanese government lodged a protest against the Chinese government over the incident through diplomatic channels on Sunday.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
