JCG PS Bizan-class patrol boat similar to Mizuki which collided with Minjinyu 5179The gas fields near the disputed border of EEZ as claimed by Japan (Japan-China Median Line) and claimed by China (Okinawa Trough near the Diaoyu Islands) are related to this conflict.
The 2010 Senkaku boat collision incident (or the Minjinyu 5179 incident) occurred on the morning of September 7, 2010, when a Chinese trawler (Minjinyu 5179) operating in disputed waters collided with Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) patrol boats near the Senkaku Islands.[1][2][3] There were several JCG boats involved, including Yonakuni and Mizuki, which collided with Minjinyu 5179, plus Hateruma and other JCG boats.
The collision and Japan's subsequent detention of the skipper, Zhan Qixiong (Chinese: 詹其雄), resulted in a major diplomatic dispute between China and Japan. When China's repeated demands for the release of the skipper were refused and the detention of the skipper was extended for ten more days, the Chinese government cancelled official meetings of the ministerial level and above. Though denied by the Chinese government, it was reported that China halted exports of rare earth minerals to Japan.[4][5]
The detained Chinese crew members were released without charge and were allowed to return home. In China the overall event is perceived as a diplomatic victory,[6] while in Japan the Japanese government's "weak-kneed" handling of the issue was criticized,[7] particularly by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.[8][9]
^"China signals V for victory". Asia Times. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on October 31, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)