The Japan Coast Guard has provided its counterpart in the Pacific island country of Kiribati with technical support to crack down on illegal fishing boats. The move came following China's recent increased presence in the region.

Japan sent three officers for the support program from June 19 to 26 in the capital, Tarawa. The program was the first of its kind extended by Japan to Kiribati. It involved training on how to conduct on-board inspections and how to approach and climb aboard a ship using a small boat.

Kiribati has only about 40 coast guard personnel and one patrol boat. It is exploring effective ways to crack down on a growing number of illegal fishing boats operating around the country known for its rich fishery resources.
The Japanese officers included members of a special team that helps foreign coast guard agencies build their capacity for maritime safety and security. Japan's coast guard set up the team in 2017 to help realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.