TOKYO — The Chinese skipper of a fishing boat has been arrested off the coast of Japan on charges of refusing inspection and fleeing from the Japanese coast guard.
The coast guard says 47-year-old Zhang Tianxiong of Fujian province, in eastern China, was arrested Sunday about 100 miles off the Goto islands, in southwestern Japan.
According to the coast guard, Zhang refused an inspection after his 135-ton boat was sailing through Japanese waters. The boat ignored calls to stop, prompting a chase. The coast guard says it intentionally collided with the boat to stop it.
If convicted, Zhang could face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $3,840.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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