China angry over Japan-Taiwan disputed island pact

BEIJING: China today said it is seriously concerned about a fishery agreement signed by Japan and Taiwan for fishing in disputed islands in East China Sea, at the centre of a major conflict between Tokyo and Beijing in recent months.

China's policy on Taiwan's contact with foreign countries is consistent and clear, spokesman of the foreign ministry Hong Lei told a media briefing here.

China hopes Japan will honour its commitment on the Taiwan issue and handle the situation properly and prudently, he said, reminding Tokyo about its recognition that Taiwan is part of China.

China is seriously concerned about a fishery agreement that Japan and Taiwan are close to signing, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hong as saying.

The pact was seen as a direct challenge by Tokyo to China as it would enable access to Taiwanese fishermen to the waters around the islands, stated to be rich fishing grounds.

China, which calls the islands 'Diaoyus', was opposed to Japan controlling the islands, referred to as 'Senkakus' by Tokyo.

Taiwan which remained estranged from China also claims sovereignty over the uninhabited islets.

Since last September, both Japanese and Chinese navies were aggressively patrolling the waters asserting their claims.