Tensions remain high between Japan and China today, after Chinese vessels again patrolled
within what Japan calls its territorial waters. Chinese patrol vessels approached
the disputed Senkaku islands and spent more than 12 hours just off the coast there,
within what Japan considers to be its territorial waters. Japan's govenrment summoned
China's ambassador in protest, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his defence minister
to "respond firmly."
China's foreign ministry acknowledged the ships' presence,
but said the islands are Chinese, and patrols are therefore legitimate. A senior official
with Beijing's Oceanic Administration agency predicted possible further escalation
ahead. The dispute has existed for decades, but only last autumn did Chinese ships
and planes begin to approach the islands. Since then, both nations have had a change
of government, and Japan's new leaders are expected to be deliver a more robust response
than their predecessors, amid a feeling by many voters here that Japan has been overly
submissive so far. Japan's government is reportedly increasing spending on defence
by more than a billion dollars, in part to tighten surveillance around the islands.
The United States is Japan's security partner, obliged to defend it if attacked. But
Washington has said it won't take sides in this dispute, but has urged both Tokyo
and Beijing to take a step back.
Listen to the report by correspondent Alastair
Wanklyn: