China Ends Fishing Ban in Senkaku Waters

TOKYO, Aug 18 (News On Japan) - China's fishing ban in the East China Sea, including the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and the Taiwan Strait, ended on August 16.

In 2016, 200 to 300 Chinese fishing vessels flooded the area around the Senkaku Islands immediately after the fishing ban was lifted. However, China has reportedly strengthened its crackdown this year due to concerns over potential accidents that could worsen Japan-China relations. The number of Japanese Coast Guard warnings issued to Chinese fishing vessels that entered Senkaku territorial waters decreased from 81 vessels in 2021 to just 4 in 2023. This year, it is expected that few fishing boats will intrude into the territorial waters.

Source: Kyodo

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