Japan Protests China's Research Activities Near Okinotori Atoll
Tokyo has accused Beijing of conducting unapproved maritime scientific research within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surrounding Okinotori Atoll, its southernmost island group in the Pacific Ocean.
Details of the Incident
The alleged activity occurred on Monday in the Philippine Sea, near Okinotori Atoll, located approximately halfway between Taiwan and Guam. Japan's coast guard reported spotting a Chinese maritime survey vessel deploying equipment into the waters about 270 kilometers east of Okinotori.
Japan's Response
Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Japan's coastguard demanded the activity cease and lodged a protest through diplomatic channels, as the maritime scientific research had not been agreed upon by Japan.
China's Position
China has asserted that Okinotori consists only of rocks and therefore cannot be used as a basis for Japan to establish an EEZ under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They consider their vessels to be operating within the "freedom of the high seas."
International Disagreement
The situation is further complicated by the fact that other entities, including Taiwan and South Korea, also dispute Japan's claim to an EEZ around Okinotori. Japan has invested significantly in preserving the atoll.