Japan asks China to cover damage to patrol boats

[sonomak]

Source: Associated Press

Japan asked China to pay for damage to Japanese patrol boats hit by a Chinese fishing vessel near disputed islands, as simmering tension between the two Asian neighbors showed no signs of easing Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku's remarks came a day after Japan's prime minister rejected China's demand that Tokyo apologize and offer compensation for the arrest of the Chinese boat captain earlier this month near islands claimed by both countries. The captain was released Friday and has since returned to China, but the diplomatic back-and-forth since then indicates nationalistic sentiments stirred up by the incident are not dissipating.

"We will ask China to pay for damage incurred to coast guard vessels," Sengoku told reporters at a morning press conference, saying the request had been relayed to Beijing via diplomatic channels. Sengoku also said it was now China's turn to decide whether it wants to repair bilateral ties. "At this point, the ball is now in China's court," he said.

The tension has spread into other areas. Since last week, China has been holding and questioning four Japanese employees of a construction company suspected of entering a military zone without authorization and illegally filming military facilities. Meanwhile, Japanese trading company officials said starting last Tuesday, China had halted exports to Japan of rare earth elements, which are essential for making high-tech products.

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