Japan has warned China that bilateral ties are deteriorating amid a dispute over the East China Sea islets, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. The warning came as Chinese vessels increased patrols near the islands, prompting Japan to summon the Chinese ambassador twice in recent days.
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told Chinese ambassador Cheng Yonghua that China was trying to change the status quo unilaterally, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. Kishida said the environment surrounding Sino-Japanese ties was “deteriorating markedly”.
Ambassador Cheng reiterated Beijing’s stance that the islands are an integral part of China’s territory and called for dialogue to resolve the dispute. “It is natural that Chinese ships conduct activity in the waters,” Cheng said after the meeting.
The diplomatic tussle comes amid broader tensions over the South China Sea, where China has built outposts on contested islands. New satellite images from the Center for Strategic and International Studies show reinforced hangars on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs, capable of housing any Chinese fighter jet. The think-tank said rapid construction suggested military deployment was likely.
China has denied militarising the area, stating that construction is for mixed civilian and defensive purposes. The United States has urged restraint, while a US navy commander noted that uncertainty over the hangars could increase tension. Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos expressed optimism about an ice-breaking trip to Hong Kong to rekindle ties with China.
