The Japanese government has raised concerns over China installing a buoy in the high seas above Japan’s southern continental shelf, escalating tensions between the two nations. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed disappointment over China’s actions, which were done without explanation. China claims the buoy is for tsunami monitoring and not a violation of Japan’s sovereignty, but Japan remains vigilant.
The buoy was deployed by the Chinese survey ship Xiang Yang Hong 22 in the Pacific Ocean in mid-June, within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. This incident mirrors a similar situation last July when China placed a buoy near the Diaoyu Islands, sparking protests from Japan. China’s increasing military presence in regional waters has fueled tensions, especially around the Senkaku Islands.
