Japan's defense minister said Tuesday that Tokyo is investigating an incident in which two Chinese submarines and several warships were spotted in international waters off the southern island of Okinawa.
"We are now conducting a detailed analysis, and will decide on our response after a thorough investigation, including whether there was any intent toward this country or not," Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said.
Encounters between China's growing military and the Japanese navy have increased in the waters between the two countries in recent years. The two governments both lay claim to valuable undersea gas deposits in the region, which they have agreed to jointly develop.
A ministry spokeswoman said there have been at least three cases of groups of Chinese military ships crossing through the area since November 2008. She asked to remain anonymous, citing department policy.
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By: Brant
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