China has removed a large buoy that it had placed inside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The buoy was placed in July 2023 by a Chinese government vessel, the Xiangyanghong 22. It was about 10 meters in diameter and had the inscription "QF212" on its surface, along with Chinese characters that mean "China ocean observation buoy."
The buoy is believed to have transmitted sea wave data and other information via satellites. The United Nation's Convention on the Law of the Sea states that ocean research cannot be done in the EEZ of another country without the approval of the nation concerned.
The Japanese government had been demanding that China remove the buoy since immediately after its placement. The buoy's removal was observed on Tuesday by the Japan Coast Guard, which issued a navigation warning to alert vessels sailing nearby. At 1 p.m. Tuesday, however, the JCG announced that the warning had been lifted.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun was asked about the buoy at a press conference on Tuesday. "China's installation of [a] hydrometeorological buoy in relevant waters is consistent with both domestic and international laws," Guo said. "The buoy has completed its task at the site. According to the actual need of science observation, relevant Chinese agencies have implemented voluntary and technical adjustment regarding the buoy."
In December last year, another buoy was spotted within Japan's EEZ south of Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture. The Japanese government is demanding removal of the buoy, which has inscriptions including "China Meteorological Administration."
In June last year, it became apparent that the Xiangyanghong 22 had installed yet another buoy above Japan's continental shelf in the Shikoku Basin region, north of Okinotorishima Island, which is Japan's southernmost point.
8 Comments
Habibi
“This balanced approach—using internationally accepted practices for research and then removing the buoy—should be noted.”
Muchacho
“The removal doesn’t erase the fact that China deliberately ignored Japanese laws by placing the buoy in the first place.”
Coccinella
“China explained that the buoy was for ocean observation and that it complied with its own laws. Science shouldn’t be demonized.”
Bella Ciao
“Installing and then trying to justify a massive buoy in Japanese territory? That’s not research—that’s territorial bullying!”
Mariposa
“It’s good to see the issue resolved. The buoy was removed after finishing its scientific task—this de-escalation is welcomed.”
Donatello
“I appreciate that both governments communicated about the buoy. It’s a reminder that dialogue can defuse potential conflicts.”
Raphael
“It’s refreshing when disputes over boundaries are handled through technical adjustments rather than brute force.”
Michelangelo
“Every time China tries this stunt, tensions spike. Their actions are reckless and disrespectful to our laws!”