Japan PM warns China against widening maritime activity as 3 Japanese freed by Beijing return
By APFriday, October 1, 2010
Japan PM warns on China as 3 freed Japanese return
TOKYO — Japan’s prime minister has raised concerns about China’s widening maritime activity across Asia, including waters near disputed islands where a ship collision ignited a bitter diplomatic feud.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s comments came in a major policy speech Friday before parliament as three Japanese held by China for allegedly entering a restricted military zone returned home after being released by Beijing.
Relations plunged to their lowest level in several years in recent weeks following a collision between Japanese and Chinese boats near a string of islands claimed by both countries.
The move by China to free the men was a sign that tension was easing.
Kan also stressed the need for Japan to adopt a more “active” diplomacy and defense policy.
