It was reported that on the evening of the 13th local time, the Japanese Fisheries Agency announced that the Chinese captain had been released after submitting a written guarantee for the deposit.
How should we view Japan's quick release of the Chinese captain?
Japan's quick release of the Chinese captain was not out of goodwill, but rather lacked legal grounds. The incident occurred in an area where China and Japan have overlapping claims to exclusive economic zones. Japan's unilateral law enforcement lacks sufficient basis under international law. Moreover, according to the "China-Japan Fisheries Agreement," once China submitted the required guarantee, Japan had an obligation to quickly release the personnel.
China immediately cited the agreement and made serious representations. If Japan continues with its statement on the same day and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan make serious representations, demanding immediate release of the personnel and vessels and safeguarding rights, the incident could be escalated into a diplomatic issue, putting great international and bilateral pressure on Japan.
Currently, Sino-Japanese trade, tourism, and seafood trade are already tense. Further escalation of tensions would cause Japan far greater economic losses than short-term political gains. Japan's quick release of the personnel is a timely way to cut losses. Takahashi Hayato managed to perform a "strong stance" while avoiding further Chinese countermeasures and loss of control, preserving domestic political face without paying substantial costs.
How should we view China's submission of a deposit guarantee to Japan?
According to the "China-Japan Fisheries Agreement" itself, there are clauses stipulating that if fishing vessels are suspected of violations, they should be quickly released after providing appropriate guarantees. We are following the rules both parties have recognized, not acknowledging Japan's unilateral law enforcement authority in the relevant waters.
The safety and prompt return of the captain is the top priority, especially as the Spring Festival is approaching. During this time of family reunion, taking the path of "submitting a guarantee and immediate release" is the most direct, most stable, and most effective way to protect our compatriots, avoiding prolonged diplomatic confrontation and unnecessary suffering for the captain under Japan's control. Such guarantees are common in international fisheries disputes. Their essence is a procedural operation aimed at quickly lifting the detention, which does not mean we acknowledge Japan's jurisdiction over the sea area or imply that Chinese fishing vessels were at fault.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7606365383372702234/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.