TOKYO, January 13 (Sputnik) — Japan and China have reached consensus on an early launch of a maritime and air crisis management mechanism for the disputed Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tuesday.
"We have agreed to work toward making the mechanism operational at an early date," Nakatani was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.
"At a time when we see an increased risk of unforeseen events in waters and airspace, including in the East China Sea, I'd like to welcome it as a major step," Kyodo News cited Nakatani as saying.
The parties have already reached an agreement on a so-called hotline, or direct telephone linkup, between the authorities of the two countries. Both parties also agreed on holding annual working meetings and to use a common radio frequency for their ships and aircraft in the area adjacent to the disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Working-level meetings between the countries' defense ministries took place following a meeting of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2014. During the talks, the leaders agreed to reduce tensions over the disputed islands.
The territorial dispute between Japan and China over the islands dates back to the 1970s. After World War II, the Islands were controlled by the United States but were transferred to the Japanese along with Okinawa in 1972. Nevertheless, Beijing claims the islands have been an integral part of China since at least 1372.
China is willing to fight Japan for senkaku islands.
— Anwar (@amuth93) 13 января 2015
Senkaku islands is Japanese territory!According to Letter of appreciation by China in 1920 which admitted that is true! #followme #Japan
— yuta2731 (@yuta2731) 13 января 2015
Tensions over the islands further escalated in mid-2012 after Japan bought some of the disputed islands from their private Japanese owners in a move that caused a wave of anti-Japan protests in China.
