Japan’s Self-Defense Force Captain ⁢Replaced After Accidental Invasion ⁤of⁣ Chinese Territorial Waters

Japan’s Nippon Keizai Shimbun ‌reported that the captain of the Japan Self-Defense Force frigate⁣ ‘Suzutuki’ has been replaced, following an incident in which the vessel‍ accidentally sailed through Chinese territorial waters without prior warning.

According ​to Japan’s Defense Minister, Minoru Kishiha, the captain was replaced in July, ​although ⁢the reason for the replacement was not clearly stated. However, it is believed⁢ to⁤ be a de facto ​dismissal.

The incident occurred last ‍July, when the Suzutsuki frigate temporarily sailed through Chinese territorial waters without prior ⁤permission. International⁤ law recognizes the ‘right of innocent passage’​ to pass through territorial ⁤waters as⁣ long as it does not harm the security of coastal states.

However, China’s domestic law requires prior permission for ​any vessel to ⁢pass⁣ through its territorial⁢ waters. The ⁣captain at the ⁣time of the incident had accidentally invaded Chinese⁤ territorial waters without knowing the exact location.

International⁣ Law and Territorial Waters

The ‘right of innocent passage’ is a principle of international law that allows vessels to pass through territorial waters⁣ as‍ long as they do⁤ not harm the security of coastal states. However, China’s domestic⁢ law requires prior permission for any vessel to pass through its territorial waters.

Consequences of the Incident

The replacement of the captain is seen as a serious consequence of the incident, highlighting the importance of adhering ‍to international law and⁤ respecting the territorial waters of other nations.

YTN Kim Se-ho (se-35@ytn.co.kr)