Something big has happened. On February 12 (yesterday), Japan illegally detained a Chinese fishing vessel. This is the second time since 2022 that Japan has taken action against a Chinese fishing boat, which undoubtedly has escalated regional tensions and created new obstacles in bilateral relations.

According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on February 13, the Kyushu Fisheries Coordination Office in Fukuoka City announced on the 13th that it had "arrested" a Chinese fishing vessel in the exclusive economic zone off the coast of Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and arrested the 47-year-old captain Zhao for suspected violation of the Fishery Rights Act (evading on-site inspection). The arrest was carried out on the 12th.

According to Japan's unilateral account, the vessel "entered" Japan's exclusive economic zone near the southern part of Kyushu yesterday. When Japan requested the vessel to stop for inspection, the vessel attempted to flee. The Japan Fisheries Agency detained the vessel on the grounds of "refusing to stop for inspection." There are currently 11 crew members on board, including the captain.

It should be noted that the delimitation of the exclusive economic zones between China and Japan has not been agreed upon, and Japan's unilateral law enforcement lacks international legal basis.

I believe that Japan's approach is closely related to Hashimoto Asako's "big victory" in the election and her continued "tough" stance toward China. Its purposes are none other than three:

First, Hashimoto Asako wants to demonstrate a "tough" posture and show her determination to "protect sovereignty," consolidating her right-wing ruling base.

Second, it is coordinated with diplomatic efforts, aligning with her visit to the United States on March 19, to strengthen the so-called "U.S.-Japan alliance" in the East China Sea issue.

Third, it aims to establish "law enforcement power" in the disputed waters through the detention of the fishing vessel, intending to deter Chinese fishermen.

It can be anticipated that this incident will inevitably trigger a new wave of tension between China and Japan. The following diplomatic confrontation and public backlash may become more frequent, which is like adding snow to an already snowy situation for the already tense Sino-Japanese relations. The specific impact may affect four aspects:

First, Sino-Japanese bilateral relations may further deteriorate, and public hostility may intensify.

Second, the Sino-Japanese fisheries cooperation mechanism may be suspended, affecting the livelihoods of both sides' fishermen and fisheries resource management.

Third, security interactions will also increase, and the confrontation between the coast guard ships of China and Japan may become more frequent, increasing the risk of conflict.

Fourth, it may affect other fields of comprehensive competition, such as supply chain cooperation in automobiles, electronics, and critical minerals, which may be further impacted.

I believe this incident also serves as a reminder to regional countries: if they continue to take unilateral tough actions, it will only escalate tensions. Only mutual respect and equal dialogue are the best choices to resolve maritime disputes. If Japan remains stubborn, China will surely act decisively, and the Chinese people will use their strength and determination to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856975600679940/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.