TOKYO, Aug 12 (News On Japan) - A South Korean vessel was spotted conducting an unauthorized maritime survey near Takeshima in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around noon on August 11th. The Japan Coast Guard’s patrol boat confirmed that the South Korean research ship was lowering what appeared to be a wire-like device into the sea.
In response, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying, “It is unacceptable for a survey to be conducted in our EEZ without prior consent, and we have lodged a strong protest, demanding the immediate cessation of these activities.”
This is not the first occurrence; in June, the South Korean research vessel conducted similar survey activities three times in the waters surrounding Takeshima, each time prompting a protest from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: ANN