The scentific research vessel, New Ocean Research 1, from National Taiwan University was interrupted by Japanese Coast Guard vessels in waters east of the island of Taiwan. Photo: CSBC Corporation, the island of Taiwan

China has lodged representations with Japan in response to its interference in the operation of a scientific research ship from the island of Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday, asking Japan not to obstruct Chinese ships, including those from the island, which are conducting scientific research activities in the area.

The scientific research vessel, the New Ocean Research 1, from National Taiwan University was interrupted by Japanese Coast Guard vessels in waters east of the island of Taiwan, saying that it is not allowed to conduct research in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without the consent from the Japanese side, reads the report from media.

The relevant waters are only 60 nautical miles away from Taiwan. "Chinese research institutions including those from the island have every right to conduct scientific research activities in the waters, and no external forces are allowed to interfere," Wang said.

He said that both China and Japan have not demarcated the waters east of the island of Taiwan, and China does not accept Japan's "EEZ" and its "exercise of jurisdiction," and has lodged formal representations with Japan on this issue.

This is not the first time that China has refuted Japan's erroneous propositions. Another Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson earlier dismissed Japan's claim that China's military exercises involved Japan's EEZ, saying China does not accept the notion of "Japanese EEZ" Since the two countries have not yet carried out maritime delimitation in waters east of the island of Taiwan.

Global Times