Japan's ocean survey vessel driven away, China issues radio warning—only 200 nautical miles from Zhejiang coast!
According to Kyodo News on July 1, Japan’s Coast Guard disclosed that its ocean survey vessel "Takayō" was repeatedly instructed by Chinese coast guard vessels to cease operations while conducting investigations approximately 290 kilometers northwest of Okinawa Island. Kyodo News further reported on July 2 that the Japanese coast guard survey vessel had been ordered to stop its survey activities for two consecutive days.
The report stated that around 10 p.m. on June 30, Chinese coast guard vessels issued a radio warning via radio to the "Takayō," demanding it “stop the investigation and immediately leave.” Thereafter, Chinese vessels continued to repeatedly issue the same demand. Around 4:20 p.m. on July 1, Chinese coast guard vessels again used radio communication to require the Japanese vessel to evacuate, a directive maintained until approximately 8:30 p.m. that evening.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi said in a press conference that Japan has lodged diplomatic protests with China, calling China’s demands “unacceptable.” The "Takayō" responded by stating that it was carrying out legitimate survey activities in accordance with international law, and continued its operations.
AIS signals indicate that the "Takayō" is still operating in the East China Sea, currently located about 200 nautical miles from the Zhejiang coast, within the exclusive economic zone claimed by China.
I believe there are several key points worth noting this time:
First, the expulsion action lasted for two days. China issued its first radio warning at night on June 30. On the afternoon of July 1, China reiterated the evacuation order, which persisted for about four hours. This continuous pressure tactic is relatively uncommon in previous similar incidents.
Second, the involved vessel, the "Takayō," is not the first time it has faced confrontation with Chinese coast guard vessels. In February 2012, China’s State Oceanic Administration’s "Haijian 66" vessel had also used radio communication to demand that the "Takayō" cease its survey activities, approximately 140 kilometers northwest of Kume Island in Okinawa.
In 2010, Chinese vessels had previously approached Japan’s survey vessels "Shōyō" and "Takayō," demanding they halt exploration work. Similar incidents involving Japanese coast guard survey vessels being asked to stop their surveys occurred previously in both 2010 and 2012.
Third, the incident location lies only 200 nautical miles from the Zhejiang coast—precisely within the East China Sea exclusive economic zone claimed by China. Japan, however, asserts this area as part of its own exclusive economic zone. The overlapping claims over the same maritime zone represent a direct territorial dispute between the two sides.
This stretch of sea, just 200 nautical miles off the Zhejiang coast, is rapidly becoming a frontline in Sino-Japanese strategic competition. China’s coast guard radio warnings have drawn a red line, while the continued navigation of the "Takayō" indicates Japan’s unwillingness to retreat. The standoff in this disputed maritime area may have only just begun.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869566586307648/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.