Japan’s Coast Guard has seized a Chinese fishing vessel in the East China Sea, heightening tensions between Tokyo and Beijing amid ongoing concerns over Taiwan.
The vessel was detained on Friday, 13 February, within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. According to a statement from the Japan Coast Guard, the ship was ordered to stop after being identified inside Japanese waters. However, it allegedly attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit before it was eventually intercepted.
A total of 11 crew members, including the captain, were on board at the time of the seizure. All have been taken into custody, authorities confirmed.
This marks the first time in four years that Japan has detained a Chinese vessel. The previous such incident occurred in 2022.
The seizure comes at a sensitive time in Japan-China relations, particularly over the issue of Taiwan. China considers the self-governed island of Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory, a claim it has consistently reiterated. Most countries,
including the United States, formally recognize Beijing over Taipei, though many maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan was placed under Chinese control in 1945 after Japan’s surrender in World War II, having been under Japanese rule for several decades prior.
Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing resurfaced following remarks by Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. After taking office in September 2025, succeeding former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Takaichi warned that Japan would stand by Taiwan, including through military support, if China were to launch an attack on the island.
Beijing swiftly protested the comments. On 9 February, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian cautioned that any reckless move by Japan regarding Taiwan could undermine the foundation of bilateral ties and would be met with a firm response from China.
So far, Beijing has not issued an official reaction to the latest vessel seizure.
