Japan Warns China Over Military Drime Near Taiwan, Disputed Islands

Japan has formally expressed concern to China over its recent military exercises around Taiwan. The diplomatic message highlights rising tensions between the two major Asian powers. The warning was delivered amid a separate, ongoing dispute. Japan also stated that Chinese coastguard ships have been patrolling near the disputed Diaoyu Islands for a record number of consecutive days. Japan controls the islands and calls them the Senkakus. These tensions were already high. Nearly two months ago, comments by Japan's prime minister about a potential Taiwan crisis angered Beijing. Taiwan governs itself, but China claims the island as part of its territory. Japan's latest actions signal growing alarm over China's military activity in regional waters it considers sensitive.