Tensions remain high between Japan and China

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: