Chinese boat detained for allegedly fishing in Japanese waters

TOKYO (Xinhua) -- Japan's Coast Guard has detained a Chinese fishing boat for alleged unauthorized fishing inside the country's exclusive economic zone, the Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka confirmed here today.

The boat, which belongs to Fujian Province in southeast China, was seized at 10:07 p.m. local time Saturday near Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture with Lin Shiqin, the captain, and eight crew members aboard.

Lin and the crew members all are Chinese nationals, the Chinese Consulate General said.

The captain, who admitted that his boat had entered Japanese waters, and two crew members have been transferred to Kagoshima for questioning. The other sailors remained aboard the boat in waters where it was seized.

The Chinese Consulate General has sent a consul to Kagoshima to visit the crew members and has asked Japan to ensure their safety and legitimate rights.