Japan reacts to China's island row reply

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara on Monday called China’s reaction to a territorial argument “hysterical”, following a Chinese freeze on some exports to Tokyo. This comes after a row which broke out in early September when Japan arrested a Chinese trawler captain near some disputed islands.

Reuters/Jason Lee

China has stopped high-level talks and bilateral events. According to industry sources it has also cut rare earth exports, crucial for Japan’s high-tech sector.

“I think the countermeasures China has taken are extremely hysterical,” said Maehara.

“As for the rare earth issue, the Chinese commerce ministry says they haven’t taken such a measure, but we still can’t conclude at the moment that shipments have returned to normal,” he said, when asked about China’s retaliatory steps.

In China there have been a series of anti-Japanese protests over the past two days. There were some reports that Japanese business premises were damaged in Chengdu, Xian, Zhengzhou and Mianyang.

Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the demonstrations were “regrettable” and urged China to “ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and firms".

Meanwhile China also expressed “deep concern” over anti-Chinese protests held in Tokyo at the weekend.