The Japan Coast Guard on Monday spotted a Chinese marine survey ship in the Japanese exclusive economic zone off (EEZ) an island in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The Xiang Yang Hong 22 was found extending a pipe-like object into the sea about 385 kilometers west of the island of Amami Oshima at around 6:50 a.m., according to the JCG*s 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in the city of Kagoshima.

The JCG then warned the Chinese ship to stop its activity. The vessel remained in the EEZ as of 6 p.m., the regional headquarters said.

The Xiang Yang Hong 22 has been repeatedly found to be operating in Japan*s EEZ off the island since late September.