Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat in its exclusive economic zone

Tokyo asserted that a Chinese fishing boat was suspected of intruding into Japanese waters off southwest Nagasaki Prefecture.

The captain, a 47-year-old Chinese national, has been arrested on the spot, and the boat was also seized.

Japan's fisheries agency released images and alleged a Chinese fishing vessel was spotted inside the Japanese exclusive economic zone on Thursday, when it was intercepted.

The agency said the vessel's captain was ordered to stop for inspection, but failed to comply and attempted to flee.

Japanese authorities accused the captain of trying to violate sovereign rights on fishing operations, adding they are looking into whether the boat entered the zone for illegal fishing.

The foreign ministry in Beijing urged Tokyo to ensure that laws are put in place impartially and protect the security and legitimate rights of Chinese crew members.