Senkaku Rift

TOKYO (Kyodo)--The Japanese government has lodged a protest with China about a commentary run by the Chinese Communist Party's official organ questioning Japan's sovereignty over Okinawa Prefecture, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.

TOKYO (Kyodo)--Two Chinese Navy frigates sailed through a zone just outside Japanese territorial waters between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands in Okinawa Prefecture on Tuesday morning, the Japanese Defense Ministry said.

TOKYO (Kyodo)--Two Chinese maritime surveillance ships were seen sailing near the Senkaku Islands, a Japanese-controlled islet group claimed by China, for the fifth consecutive day, the Japan Coast Guard said Monday.

WASHINGTON (Kyodo)--Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday stressed U.S. defense commitments to Japan, including the nuclear umbrella, in the face of growing missile threats from North Korea, while reiterating that Washington is against any action to weaken Japan's administrative control of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

NAHA (Kyodo)--Three Chinese maritime surveillance vessels were seen sailing Monday around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea just outside Japan's territorial waters, the Japan Coast Guard said.