Japan PM renews claim on disputed islands

This handout picture taken by the Japan Coast Guard on January 19, 2013 shows a Chinese Marine Surveillance ship cruising inside waters around the disputed islands known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China, in the East China Sea. AFP / JAPAN COAST GUARD FILE PHOTO

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe renewed his claims on disputed East China Sea islands as he visited nearby islands. He urged border security officials to boost their guard against China’s increased activity in the region.

Abe told Coast Guard officials based on the Ishigaki island that Japan’s border security environment is challenging because of China’s increased provocation in the area. The Japanese-controlled islands called Senkaku are also claimed by China, which calls them Diaoyu.

Tougher territorial defense is part of Abe’s ruling party’s campaign platform for the upper house election Sunday. His governing coalition is likely to win a comfortable majority and strengthen its grip on power.

Abe’s hawkish security policy and remarks including those defending Japan’s wartime actions have caused diplomatic rows with China and South Korea.