Seven Chinese naval warships yesterday passed through waters near the islands of Okinawa, Japan. This comes amid a tense territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands, which are known as Diao-Yu in China. This is the first time Chinese warships have entered this area. According to Japan’s defense officials, China informed Japan through diplomatic channels that the vessels were entering the area to avoid a typhoon which is approaching Minami-Daito Island in Okinawa. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujumura told a press conference that Japan is urging China to act from a broad perspective. He added that his country will continue to carry out surveillance in surrounding waters.

Chinese naval warship (Photo: Internet)

China on Tuesday criticized a plan by Japan and the United States to conduct a joint drill in November on Irisunia, a tiny island in Okinawa. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei warned that this joint drill will increase regional tensions and affect mutual trust in the region.