China to survey Diaoyu Islands

INTRO

China says it is conducting a survey of islands in the East China Sea known as the "Diaoyu Dao" in Chinese to "safeguard China's marine rights."

The islands are also claimed by Japan.

Tokyo's attempt to "buy" the islands off a private owner last September led to heightened tension in the region.

But Beijing maintains that the island chain has been China's inherent territory since ancient times.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Tuesday that China plans to survey the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea as part of a program to map its territorial islands and reefs.

The first stage of the island surveying and mapping began in 2009.

According to the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation, work to monitor islands located within 100 kilometers of China's coastline is now complete.

The second stage will cover islands, including the Diaoyu Islands.

The territories are also claimed by Japan.

Tokyo has increased patrols around the area, raising tensions in the region.

And in response to China's move, Japan has deployed more coast guard ships.

But Hong says China and Japan have maintained communication on how to settle current disputes diplomatically.

China's Vice Foreign Minister, Fu Ying, and former Japanese education minister, Kenji Kosaka met in Beijing on Monday.

Kosaka is now a House of Councillors member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Hong quoted Fu as saying that bilateral ties are facing difficult situations and stand at a vital moment.

But he says Fu welcomes efforts from various Japanese communities to diminish negative effects on the development of China-Japan relations.

On Tuesday, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama began a visit to China.

Hong says the Chinese government has always maintained exchanges and visits with Japan's ruling and opposition political parties, to improve communication and resolve disputes.