China survey ship extends foray near southern Japan islet

Beijing ignores Tokyo's request to cease activity off Okinotori

20200717N Okinotori island REUTERS

China claims the Japan-administered Okinotori islet is a reef with no exclusive economic zone protections. © Reuters

TSUKASA HADANO, Nikkei staff writer

BEIJING -- A Chinese survey ship has operated near a southern Japanese islet without prior authorization for more than a week, further heightening bilateral maritime tensions.

The Dayang oceanic research vessel was spotted once again Friday in the exclusive economic zone surrounding Okinotori, a Japanese-administered atoll and its southernmost territory, the Japan Coast Guard reported.

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