A Newsweek map shows five Chinese research vessels conducting surveys in Japan's exclusive economic waters this year, alarming the U.S. treaty ally.

When reached for comment, the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong referred Newsweek to remarks that then-Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya—who left the role on October 21—made last week. Iwaya said China must immediately stop conducting such activities without Tokyo's consent.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

Operating the world's largest fleet of research vessels, China could use oceanographic research to support its military by gathering critical data about the world's oceans—an approach known as dual use—the Center for Strategic and International Studies said.

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