Japan lodges protest with China over maritime research in disputed waters

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tokyo on Tuesday lodged a protest with China over its maritime research in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), according to a report.

A Chinese survey ship allegedly dropped something that looked like a cable in waters around 270 kilometers (167.7 miles) east of the country's southernmost islands of Okinotori on Monday, according to the Kyodo News.

The vessel was subsequently ordered to stop its activity.

After the protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Okinotori is a "reef, not an island," and therefore not subject to the EEZ.

"According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Okinotori is a reef, not an island. As such, it is not entitled to an EEZ or continental shelf. Japan’s claim of an EEZ around the reef violates international law."

"China’s research vessel was exercising the freedom of the high seas with regard to its activities in the waters, and Japan has no right to interfere," Mao said.