Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain after the vessel tried to escape an inspection near southwestern Nagasaki prefecture. The event happened inside Japan's exclusive economic zone about 170 km southwest of Meshima island, under Goto city's jurisdiction. Japan's fisheries agency said the captain, 47-year-old Zheng Nianli, was asked to stop but did not comply. Japanese officials vowed firm actions to stop illegal fishing. China's foreign ministry said it expects Japan to follow the China-Japan fisheries agreement, enforcing laws fairly and ensuring Chinese crew safety and rights. Chinese spokesman Lin Jian said, "It is hoped the Japanese side will strictly abide by the China-Japan fisheries agreement, enforce the law impartially and ensure the safety as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese crew members." Japan's chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara added, "To prevent illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels, we will continue to take firm action and engage in enforcement activities." The incident has caused a new maritime stand-off between Beijing and Tokyo.