China, Japan island dispute continues

(Vatican Radio) Several Chinese ships briefly entered waters near disputed islands today, drawing a protest from Japan and a call by its foreign minister for no further escalation in the standoff. Six Chinese maritime surveillance ships came within 12 miles of the Senkaku Islands, within Japanese territorial waters, Tokyo says.

Japan's coast guard ordered the boats to leave, they ignored it, one replying by radio they were in Chinese waters.

Japan's foreign minister lodged a protest, but called on Beijing not to escalate tensions further: already retribution has spread into ordinary life, Japan's consulate in Shanghai says at least four Japanese citizens are injured after attacks, and reports in Japan say China has cancelled some official exchange groups, and there's speculation private businesses may be targeted too.

Both Beijing and Tokyo are politically fragile right now: an election is due here in Japan, and China's Communist Party has an expected leadership shake-up this autumn.

But many observers warn the tiny uninhabited Senkaku islands could remain a flashpoint for some time, while nationalism continues to run high and speculation remains that the area may have rich subsea energy resources.

Alastair Wanklyn is following the story from Tokyo. Listen: