Japan Accuses China of Unauthorized Research in Okinotori EEZ

Japan has formally accused China of conducting unauthorized maritime scientific research within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the disputed Okinotori atoll in the Pacific Ocean. A Chinese survey vessel was observed extending equipment into Japanese waters without prior notification or consent, prompting Japan's coastguard to demand the cessation of the activity and lodge a diplomatic protest. Japan maintains that under international law, it has rights to manage natural resources within its EEZ, which extends up to 370 kilometers from its coastlines, including around Okinotori. However, China disputes Japan's claim, arguing that Okinotori is a reef or rocks rather than an island, and therefore cannot generate an EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; China asserts its maritime research activities represent the exercise of freedom of the high seas and rejects Japan's interference. This disagreement reflects broader regional tensions, with other countries such as Taiwan and South Korea also contesting Japan's claims in the area. Japan has invested in coral planting and efforts to prevent erosion around Okinotori to reinforce its claim, but China has yet to formally comment beyond its stated position.