Japan to seek damage compensation from ChinaSeptember 20, 2012 - 16:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japan will seek compensation from China for damages to its diplomatic missions there during protests over disputed islands, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura has said, according to BBC News. He told reporters in Tokyo that "this was an issue between the governments". It comes as China expressed regret over protesters attacking the U.S. ambassador's car in Beijing on Tuesday, Sept 18. Chinese dissident and artist Ai Weiwei filmed the attack, a copy of which was uploaded on YouTube. Tensions have been high between Japan and China after Japan purchased three of the disputed islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, from a private owner. Both Japan and China, as well as Taiwan, claim the uninhabited but resource-rich islands that are controlled by Japan. Over the last week anti-Japanese protests in China have forced Japanese businesses to close or scale down operations. In some cities on Tuesday, Japanese shops were attacked and vandalised on the anniversary of an incident in 1931 which led to Japan's invasion of north-east China. The protests appeared to have diminished on Wednesday. "Regarding damage to our embassies and consulates, we plan to demand compensation [from China] as it is an issue between the governments," Mr Fujimura is quoted as saying in Tokyo. He added that any damage to Japanese property in China should be handled under local laws. Mr Fujimura also said that the Japanese prime minister is planning to send a special envoy to China as part of efforts "to resolve the issue cool-headedly through various diplomatic routes". Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |