Japan releases Chinese fishing boat captain amid tensions

Japanese authorities had accused Zhan Qixiong, 41, of intentionally ramming two patrol vessels near disputed islands in the East China Sea. China had demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

The release came after four Japanese men were detained in China on suspicion of illegally filming in a military area.
Japanese officials said the four men were employees of a Japanese construction company who were in China to bid for a project to dispose of chemical weapons from World War II.

Tensions between China and Japan escalated since the Chinese captain got detained. China issued a series of diplomatic protests, cancelled official visits and cultural events, and said that the row could seriously harm bilateral relations.

A Japanese coastguard arrested Zhan Qixiong on 8 September after his trawler collided with two of their patrol boats in an area claimed by both countries, near uninhabited islands which may have oil and gas deposits

Japanese prosecutors had until next Wednesday to decide whether or not to charge Qixiong.