Japan warns of China ‘coercive’ behavior around disputed islands
Iran Press TV
Tue Jul 9, 2013 1:3PM GMT
The Japanese government has warned that China’s “coercive” behavior in waters around the disputed islands in the East China Sea was dangerous and could increase the risk of clashes.
The remarks were made on Tuesday in Japan’s annual defense white paper adopted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his cabinet ministers.
"China ... has taken action described as coercive, which includes risky behavior," Tokyo said in a 450-page report.
"China's activities include its intrusion into Japan's territorial waters, its violation of Japan's territorial airspace and even dangerous actions that could cause a contingency," it added.
Japan and China have long been competing over the sovereignty of the uninhabited islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyus in China.
The report also pointed to a Chinese frigate that had locked weapons-targeting radar on a Japanese destroyer in January, the claim that was denied by China.
"These acts are extremely regrettable and China should accept and stick to the international norms," it added.
The islands are located near a crucial shipping lane and would give the owner exclusive oil, mineral and fishing rights in the surrounding waters.
On September 11, 2012, Tokyo signed a deal to buy three of the islands from their private Japanese owner in line with plans to nationalize the archipelago.
SAB/PR
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