The Japanese Aquatic Department said that a helicopter of the Chinese Navy is close to the Japanese research ship in the exclusive economic zone in the northwest of Okinawa.
Comprehensive Japan Kyodo News Agency and the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) reported that the Japan Aquatic Affairs Department released news on Friday (February 17) that the national research and development legal person "aquatic research and education institution" fisheries survey ship"Sunshine Pills" conducted a survey of fishery resources on the exclusive economic zone in the northwest of Okinawa. At about 10:47 am, a helicopter of the Chinese Navy was close to the investigation ship, only 150 to 200 meters from the stern.
The Aquatic Agency said that after two laps from an air of about 30 meters above the helicopter, the Chinese helicopter remained away from "Sunshine Pills".
23 crew members and nine investigators on the "Sunshine Pills" were not injured and continued to investigate as planned.
The Japanese Aquatic Affairs Department said that the helicopter Feiyue's exclusive economic zone itself does not violate international law itself, but it is dangerous to be so nearly from the ship.
The Japanese government believes that this is a dangerous behavior that may cause unexpected situations. It has expressed regret to the Chinese government through diplomatic channels and requires similar situations to occur again.
