Japanese politician calls for disputed islands no-fly zone
On eve of China visit, Yamaguchi says two sides should seek to ease growing tensions in dispute
On the eve of a visit to China, Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of Japanese coalition partner New Komeito, said yesterday he would propose that military planes from both countries should not fly close to disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Yamaguchi said both countries should come up with measures to stop tensions from escalating.
Tensions continued to run high yesterday as three Chinese maritime surveillance vessels patrolled waters around the disputed Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan. Both sides have sent military planes there.
"It is important to stop the problem from expanding, and relieve the tensions," Yamaguchi told Phoenix TV.
He said he would propose setting up a bilateral maritime communication mechanism during his visit to China. He will also deliver a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and said he hoped to meet new Communist Party chief Xi Jinping .
"Japan and China should resume communication, and hold top leaders' dialogue to improve relations," he said.