Chinese Intrusions Pose Double-edged Threat to Japan

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Recently, a Chinese oceanographic research vessel conducted research activities without Japan's consent in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The offense took place around Japan's southernmost territory, Okinotorishima Island in Ogasawara Village.

Such conduct is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which China signed. Beijing's behavior is completely unacceptable. Beijing must apologize and never again conduct such improper activities.

Its behavior suggests that the intruding vessel could have been conducting a military-related survey. We urge the Japanese government to do all it can to strengthen the nation's surveillance and defense systems to prevent such intrusions.

On May 26, a Japan Coast Guard aircraft spotted the Chinese oceanographic research vessel in question off Okinotorishima. It was extending a wire-like object into the sea in Japan's EEZ about 270 km east of the islands. The plane's crew radioed the ship, demanding it desist from its actions. However, the research vessel only left the EEZ about five hours later.

This is the first time since January 2024 that Chinese survey activities have been confirmed in the EEZ around Okinotorishima. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed that he had protested to the Chinese, calling on them to immediately cease such behavior. That was certainly justified.

China's Unpersuasive Excuses

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning sought to legitimize China's actions by contending that Okinotorishima is "not an island but a rock." She also said, "The Japanese side has no right to interfere." We cannot agree in any way whatsoever with such unpersuasive arguments.

Okinotorishima is located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,700 kilometers from Tokyo. It consists of two islands upon a coral atoll about 11 kilometers in circumference. The islands remain above sea level even at high tide and meet the definition of an island under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

According to the Convention: "An island is a naturally formed area of land, surrounded by water, which is above water at high tide."

Beijing only started to make the false accusation that Okinotorishima is a "rock" for which an EEZ cannot be established in the 21st century. From that time, however, China began to carry out marine surveys around Okinotorishima without Japan's consent. It is believed to be collecting data on the ocean floor, including topography and water temperatures. Such information is critical for submarine operations.

These operations represent a double-edged threat to Japan, in terms of national security, as well as safeguarding its economic interests.

More Intrusions Around Okinawa

Meanwhile, another Chinese marine research vessel was active in Japan's EEZ around the Senkaku Islands on May 11. China had also positioned a maritime observation buoy without permission in waters of the EEZ off the coast of Japan's westernmost Yonaguni Island. In response, the Japanese government has officially protested.

It was confirmed on May 28 that the buoy had been removed. However, China's foreign ministry has declared that the removal was for "maintenance." There is therefore a threat that Chinese buoys will again be introduced into those waters.

Whether it is around Okinotorishima or Senkaku and other Nansei Islands stretching from Kyushu to near Taiwan, China's high-handed behavior in Japanese waters cannot be tolerated.