East China sea patrol

First, the latest on a territorial dispute between China and Japan over an island chain in the East China sea.

Tension over the Diaoyu Islands has heated up due to recent patrols by both sides.

Reports say a fleet of four Chinese surveillance ships continued to patrol waters off the Diaoyu Islands on Monday.

The Japanese government then summoned China's Ambassador to Tokyo - Cheng Yonghua - on Tuesday, in protest.

Later on Tuesday, Beijing denounced Japan's response:

SOUNDBITE: HONG LEI, Foreign Ministry Spokesman

"The Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islets have always been China's inherent, sovereign territory. The patrol by China's maritime surveillance ships in waters off the islands is... an exercise of jurisdiction."

Hong says Japan had sent vessels and planes several times to, quote, "illegally enter waters around and airspace above, the Diaoyu Islands..."

And that China lodged a protest to Japan, demanding an end to their patrols.