Japan risks China's fury after seizing illegal fishing boat in raid

Japan has seized an illegal Chinese fishing boat and its captain on suspicion of operating illegally in Japanese waters.

A patrol vessel first noticed the boat on Thursday evening about 89 nautical miles southwest of the island of Meshima in Nagasaki prefecture, in the country's south.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said the boat was operating within Japan's exclusive economic zone but failed to comply with demands to halt.

"The vessel’s captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled," it said.

"Consequently, the vessel’s captain was arrested on the same day."

The captain was named as Zheng Nianli, 47, who was detained alongside his 11-man crew.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, said: "The case is currently under investigation, but in order to prevent and deter illegal operations by foreign fishing vessels, we will continue to carry out enforcement activities with a firm and resolute stance."

Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China required fishermen to operate in accordance with local laws, but it would safeguard their rights.

China has long been accused of moving hundreds of fishing vessels right to the edge of countries' maritime borders, scouring the ocean for catches and ruining local ecosystems.

Mr Lin added: "We hope that Japan will strictly abide by the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, enforce the law impartially and protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members."

The incident, which comes amid a major diplomatic spat between the two countries, is Japan's first involving a vessel from China since 2022.

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The Fisheries Agency has however seized fishing boats from South Korea and Taiwan within recent years.

Authorities have since released the 47-year-old captain, according to NHK, Japan's state broadcaster.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said he was released after China submitted documentation guaranteeing payment of a deposit.

The boat is reportedly used for fishing mackerel and horse mackerel - but no fish found were upon inspection, said the agency.

The agency said the Chinese captain admitted to not complying with an inspection.

The seizure comes just days after Japan re-elected Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Margaret-Thatcher inspired Prime Minister.

Mrs Takaichi ignited a diplomatic row with China a few months prior after she outlined how Tokyo might respond if Beijing attacked Taiwan.

China's Foreign Ministry described the comments as "egregious" and responded by urging its citizens to not visit Japan.