Foreign and Military Affairs

China concerned over fishing boat crash

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-09-07 20:10

A Chinese fishing boat is inspected by Japan Coast Guard crew members after it collided with two Japanese coast guard vessels near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku isles in Japan, Sept 7, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

China has expressed "great concern" over a collision between two Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boat in waters near the Diaoyu Islands and urged Japan to stop patrolling the area.

China has lodged solemn representations to Japan, stressing that the islands have been part of Chinese territory since ancient times, foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.

China has urged Japan to stop "so-called law enforcement activities in the adjacent borders" and not do anything that might "jeopardise the safety of Chinese fishing boats and Chinese people".

"We will keep a close eye on developments and reserve the right to make a further response," Jiang added.