Japan PM Takaichi vows to crack down on illegal foreign fishing

TOKYO – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed her determination to “resolutely” crack down on illegal fishing by foreign ships after the

Japanese authorities seized a Chinese boat

and arrested its skipper for allegedly defying a stop order in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

She said in a post on X on the night of Feb 15 that

the skipper was released

because the Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka prefecture, in south-western Japan, had submitted documentation guaranteeing payment of a deposit.

She added that it was a “normal” course of action in accordance with international and domestic laws.

“The government will continue with our crackdowns resolutely to prevent and deter illegal fishing by foreign fishing ships,” she said.

The seizure of the Chinese boat came amid heightened tensions between Japan and China, triggered by Ms Takaichi’s parliamentary remarks in late 2025 on Japan’s potential response to a Taiwan crisis. KYODO NEWS