韓国、竹島南方で無許可海洋調査か　ＥＥＺ内で今月前半

　韓国国営企業が今月前半、島根県・竹島南方の日本の排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）内で無許可の海洋調査を行った疑いがあることが１７日分かった。外務省が自民党会合で説明した。外務省は韓国側に事実関係を問い合わせたが、韓国政府は「確認できていない」と回答したという。
　外務省によると、韓国の石油公社の委託を受けたノルウェー船籍の調査船が９～１２日、竹島から約８５キロ南方の日本のＥＥＺ内で船尾からケーブルを水中に垂らして航行。海上保安庁の巡視船が「わが国ＥＥＺ内の無許可調査は認められない」と注意喚起した。ただ、実際に調査が行われたか現場で断定できず、韓国政府も確認していないとして、政府は公表を見送っていた。（2022/05/17-10:54）

A South Korean state-owned company is suspected of conducting unauthorized maritime research activities in waters south of disputed Sea of Japan islands known as Takeshima in Japan earlier this month, it was learned Tuesday.
   A Norwegian-registered survey ship operating on commission from the South Korean national oil company was found sailing in Japan's exclusive economic zone about 85 kilometers south of Takeshima on May 9-12, the Japanese Foreign Ministry explained at a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
   The vessel was found sailing with a cable dropped down into the water from its stern. A patrol ship of the Japan Coast Guard warned the ship that it was not allowed to conduct research within Japan's EEZ without permission.
   The Japanese government did not make an announcement about the case because whether research activities actually took place could not be confirmed on the scene. Also, the South Korean government told the Japanese Foreign Ministry that facts concerning the suspected maritime survey have not been confirmed.
   The Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, are effectively controlled by Seoul and claimed by Tokyo.