A Japanese survey of the Diaoyu Islands has put Sino-Japanese ties under further stress, as Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara again attempted to push through a 2 billion yen ($2.56 million) plan to purchase the islands.
Analysts have said they see the recent moves from both the Japanese government and the governor of Tokyo as a threat to Sino-Japanese relations, adding that any plans by the Japanese government to nationalize the islands would also lead to severe damage to bilateral relations.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest against the survey conducted by the Tokyo government in waters near the Diaoyu Islands, which is being carried out in preparation for a possible purchase.
"Any unilateral action by Japan regarding the Diaoyu Islands is illegal and invalid," spokesman Hong Lei said at a press briefing, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
A team of Japanese surveyors, dispatched by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, late Sunday night released the results of their investigation, detailing the geographic composition of the Diaoyu Islands, Kyodo News reported on Monday.
Japanese television broadcasts showed that the 25-member team remained on their boats to survey the shoreline and waters around the rocky uninhabited isles.
Ishihara also demanded the Japanese government construct a harbor on the deserted islands but with no direct response from Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, he said he was angry and would continue planning his next tour of the islands for October, according to the Kyodo News Agency.
【1】 【2】
