Japanese authorities say they have seized a Chinese fishing vessel that tried to flee when ordered to stop for an inspection, in a move that may further fuel tensions with Beijing.
The boat was in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture in the south-west when it was intercepted, and its captain arrested on Thursday, according to the country's fisheries agency.
The vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled, the fisheries agency stated.
The seizure is the first time since 2022 that the agency has taken such action against a Chinese fishing boat and comes amidst strained relations following Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments implying military intervention should China attempt to take Taiwan by force.
Authorities reported that there were 11 individuals on board, including the captain, a 47-year-old Chinese national. The seized vessel has been described as a tiger net fishing boat known for its high capacity.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara assured a continuation of decisive enforcement actions to deter illegal fishing by foreign vessels.
This incident takes place against the backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations; China's foreign ministry previously expressed anger over Takaichi's remarks, calling for her to retract them, and warned citizens to reconsider travel to Japan. This resulted in a steep decline in Chinese tourist visits to Japan and a negative impact on sectors tied to tourism and retail.
As the diplomatic spat escalated toward the end of 2025, Beijing issued several statements demanding that Japan cease provocative actions and criticized Japan's engagement with China, resulting in several cultural exchanges being cancelled.
