Japan lodged a serious protest against the activities of China's research vessel near the Okinotorishima Reef, and China replied that its actions were reasonable and legal, and it would continue next time.
According to Kyodo News on May 27th, two days ago, when China's research vessel Jingang was conducting normal scientific research activities in Japan's so-called exclusive economic zone around the Okinotorishima Reef, it was harassed by a helicopter dispatched by the Japanese Coast Guard for more than five hours. During this period, the helicopter made provocative maneuvers such as flying overhead multiple times. Our research vessel remained unmoved and only left after completing the activities five hours later.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda protested seriously to China on the 26th, claiming that China had violated Japan's exclusive economic zone. Our side responded that Okinotorishima is a reef, not an island, and there is no so-called exclusive economic zone. China's actions are reasonable and legal, and we will go again soon.
Another detail is that at that time, there were also Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group and Anhui warship strike group of Type 075 from the nearby 200 nautical miles. This is also why Japan did not dare to send ships to drive them away.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833269385573388/
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