PRC foreign ministry statement
On September 7, 2010, the Japanese side illegally arrested 15 Chinese fishermen and their trawler, and held the captain in custody until September 24. Against this serious violation of Chinese territorial sovereignty and the human rights of Chinese citizens, the Chinese government expressed strong protest.
The Diaoyu Islands and islets have been Chinese territory since ancient times, and China has indisputable sovereignty over them. The Japanese side holding the fishermen and their vessel and any forms of legal action against them were all illegal and invalid. The Japanese side must apologize to and compensate the Chinese side for this incident.
China and Japan are close neighbors, and to adhere to developing a strategic and mutually beneficial relations correspond to the fundamental interests of the people of both countries. The two sides should solve the Sino-Japanese problems through dialog and consultation and protect the general situation of the two countries’ relations. This Chinese position hasn’t changed and will not change.
September 25, 2010
“Out but not Over”
China’s response seemed to take an especially nefarious turn when it apparently suspended its export of rare-earth minerals, which are vital to making electronics components used in everything from handheld gadgets to cars. On September 23rd China emphatically denied that it is blocking exports. And this may be true: there probably isn’t a formal directive. But in a country where informal rules abound, exporters know that it can pay to withhold shipments—in solidarity with a government that is angry at its neighbour.
The Economist, Sept 24, 2010
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Related
Will Kan apologize, seetell.jp, Sept 25, 2010
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