China sends ships to disputed isles

CHINA: Beijing said Friday two surveillance fleets that entered Japanese waters close to disputed islands in defiance of warnings from Tokyo would conduct “law enforcement” activities.

The fleets arrived days after the Japanese government announced it had completed its planned purchase of the islands in the East China Sea, which it administers and knows as Senkaku, but which China claims as Diaoyu.

“Two Chinese surveillance ship fleets arrived at waters around the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islands on September 14, 2012 to start patrol and law enforcement,” China's foreign ministry said in a statement.

“These law enforcement and patrol activities are designed to demonstrate China's jurisdiction over the islands and safeguard its maritime interests.” Japan's coast guard said it had issued warnings telling the Chinese ships to leave.

The disputed archipelago in the East China Sea is around 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Naha, the main city of Okinawa, and 200 kilometres from Taiwan.China and Japan are Asia's two biggest economies with close trade and business ties. The political relationship, however, is often tense due to the territorial dispute and Chinese resentment over historical issues.

In one case of violence, a group of several Japanese having a late dinner were attacked though no one was seriously injured, the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai said in a statement posted on its website.The Shanghai Daily newspaper said the Japanese involved in the “scuffle”, which took place Tuesday, were travelling players in an international nine-ball pool competition.Japanese players in the tournament have been requested to stay indoors, the newspaper quoted an organiser as saying.

The consulate said another case involved a Chinese person throwing a bowl of hot noodles with soup at the face of a Japanese national.Other cases included Japanese nationals being kicked, hit by bottles or having a drink poured on them, it said.

AFP