Japan releases captain, crew of Chinese fishing boat

Hey due process in a timely manner. Well done.

Oh gee - - - - looks like the LDP is determined to take a tough stand with China ! ! ! ! ! ...... ;- )

I thought coral fishing was prohibited globally.

So have they been charged or not yet?

this must be better way for both countries at this time.

If the Chinese consulate paid the bail fee there must be charges to a offense. Screw up number 2 with china ...if they truly owed the waters and islands around there Why pay the bail bond ?

That was quick... Japan caved pretty quickly on this one.

I thought this would bring the loonies out in force but was pretty quiet at the Chinese Embassy yesterday. Was a bit of extra security at the Korean Cultural Centre fro some reason.

Not much else they can do, and good on the government for letting them go and not allowing sentiment towards China dictate law.

Well done, the message is sent and everyone saved face. The Chinese have had a very easy time of it so far, getting away with a lot of games.

Glad Japan is showing resolve matched by courtesy. Well done.

your move, china.

The boat should have been confiscated.

Chinese ships are not scared of J-authorities.

Wouldn't be surprised if these consulate bailouts are backed by the CPC. As long as China promotes sending their fishers into Japanese waters and Japan answers with a laughable punishment, nothing will change the game.

What I want to know is why bother arresting these captains if you're not going to charge them with anything?

They were charged for the offense. However, the law does call for jail time but a fine up to 10 million yen. They paid 4 million yen in this case.

http://www.47news.jp/CN/201302/CN2013020301001890.html

http://www.houko.com/00/01/H08/076.HTM

However, the law does call for jail time but a fine up to 10 million yen.

Correct that to "the law does not call for jail time.."

The biggest winner in this story is the fish.