The Issue of Chinese Coral Vessels in the Seas Close to Japan, Including Around the Ogasawara Islands

1. Current Situation

Since mid-September 2014, multiple vessels believed to be Chinese coral vessels have been found in the waters near the Ogasawara Islands. In light of the situation, the relevant ministries and agencies of Japan have stepped up their measures and the Government of Japan has made representations through diplomatic channels including Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The Number of Chinese Coral vessels around Ogasawara Islands

(released by the Japan Coast Guard)

September 15^th	17vessels
23^rd	25vessels
October 1^st	42vessels
13^th	46vessels
14^th	31vessels
20^th	24vessels
21^st	51vessels
23^rd	113vessels
26^th	102vessels
30^th	212vessels
November 3^rd	205vessels
7^th	191vessels
8^th	192vessels
10^th	141vessels
12^th	117vessels
13^rd	145vessels
14^th	116vessels
15^th	57vessels
16^th	58vessels
17^th	70vessels
19^th	44vessels
20^th	47vessels
22^nd	33vessels
24^th	8vessels
26^th	4vessels
27^th	0vessels
28^th	0vessels
29^th	3vessels
December 1^st	1vessel
2^ndto 5^th	0vessels
7^th	1vessel
11^thto 16^th	0vessels
17^th	1vessel
18^th	1vessel
19^th	3vessels
21^st	2vessels
23^rd	0vessels
25^th	3vessels
30^th	0vessels
31^st	0vessels
January 2^nd	0vessels
3^rd	0vessels
17th	2vessels
19th	1vessel
22^nd	2vessels

Note: As from Oct 30th, the number of vessels includes those found in the seas around both Ogasawara and Izu islands as well as in the waters stretching between those two groups of islands.

2. Japan’s Responses

Provided by the Japan Coast Guard

(1) Enhancement of controls

The relevant ministries and agencies, including the Fisheries Agency and the Japan Coast Guard(JCG), are working together to increase their crackdowns on foreign fishing vessels.
Since October 5, 2014, the JCG has arrested ten Chinese captains in Japan's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

(2) Higher penalties against illegal operations and other activities

On November 19, the Diet revised relevant legislation for significantly raising the maximum fines for illegal operations of foreign fishing vessels. The revision is aimed at maximizing its deterrent effect on poaching by foreign fishing vessels in Japanese seas.

Revisions

Fine for operations in Japan's territorial waters and unauthorized operations in Japan's exclusive economic zone: 30 million yen (Under existing legislation: Operations in Japan's territorial waters: 4 million yen; Unauthorized operations in Japan's exclusive economic zone: 10 million yen)
Fine for evading on-board inspection: 3 million yen (Under existing legislation: 300,000 yen)

The cash collateral is also set to increase significantly.

Revisions

Unauthorized operations and operations in prohibited sea areas: 30 million yen
Evading on-board inspection: 3 million yen
Additional fine for illegally harvested coral: 6 million yen/kg

(3) Requests through diplomatic channels

Through diplomatic channels, the Government of Japan has repeatedly expressed regret to China, along with requesting the prevention of recurrences.

In addition, the following discussion took place at the Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting on November 8.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida said that the illegal operation of large numbers of Chinese coral vessels in the seas close to Japan, including around the Ogasawara Islands, is extremely regrettable. He stated that, while he is aware that the Chinese side is also in the process of responding earnestly, it will be important to enhance the effectiveness of controls in China, and that he wants to strengthen cooperation between the relevant authorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said that the Chinese side is also taking the necessary measures.

Japan-China Relations