Japan protests to China over ship in disputed waters

Japan has lodged a protest with the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, after a Chinese ship sailed close to contested islands in the East China Sea.

Japan controls the unoccupied Senkaku islands, which China also claims under the name Diaoyu islands.

Russian naval ships were also spotted in the area at the same time, Japanese local media said.

In 2012, relations between Japan and China deteriorated after Japan bought the islands from a private owner.

The islands are important because they are close to key shipping lanes, offer rich fishing grounds and near potential oil and gas reserves.

Reacting to the incident, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed "serious concern" at a news conference, saying it would escalate tensions.

According to Mr. Suga, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has asked his government to work closely with the US and other countries to deal with the issue.

Japan's Vice-Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned China's ambassador Cheng Yonghua to lodge a protest.

Reports say three Russian military vessels were also seen in the waters around the disputed islands, entering around 21:50 on Wednesday and leaving around 03:05 on Thursday.

SOURCE: BBC News