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Japanese authorities have seized a Chinese fishing vessel that allegedly attempted to flee after being ordered to halt for inspection, a move that could potentially escalate tensions with Beijing.
According to Japan’s fisheries agency, the vessel was intercepted within Japan’s exclusive economic zone off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan, and its captain was subsequently arrested on Thursday.
“The vessel’s captain was instructed to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector; however, the vessel failed to comply and attempted to escape,” the fisheries agency stated.
This marks the first instance since 2022 of the agency seizing a Chinese fishing vessel. As of now, China has not issued a response to Japan’s announcement.
The fisheries agency reported that there were 11 individuals on board the vessel, including the captain, identified as a 47-year-old Chinese national.
Authorities and Japanese media outlets have characterized the seized vessel as a high-capacity “tiger net fishing boat.”
This incident occurs against a backdrop of strained relations, following comments made by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November, which angered China. Takaichi suggested that Tokyo might intervene militarily if Beijing were to attempt to seize Taiwan by force.
China has long maintained that Taiwan, which was under Japanese occupation for decades until 1945, is its territory.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to achieve what it refers to as “reunification.”
In response to Takaichi’s remarks, which China’s foreign ministry described as “egregious,” Beijing summoned Tokyo’s ambassador and issued a warning to its citizens to reconsider travel and study plans in Japan.
This led to a significant decline in visits to Japan by Chinese tourists, subsequently impacting Japanese stocks related to tourism and retail sectors.
As the diplomatic dispute escalated towards the end of 2025, Beijing repeatedly demanded that Takaichi retract her statements, with its foreign ministry cautioning Japan to “stop playing with fire.”
Furthermore, scheduled performances by Japanese artists touring China have been canceled, and releases of popular Japanese films have been postponed.
Adding to the tensions, Japan’s last two pandas were returned to China last month.
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Japan faces challenges including sluggish economic growth, rising public debt, and a rapidly aging population.
A Hong Kong court has sentenced Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen, to 20 years in prison after his conviction on national security offenses last December.
Lai’s supporters argue this is effectively a death sentence, while authorities maintain it demonstrates adherence to the rule of law.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured 316 out of 465 seats in Sunday’s election.
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