Tokyo's stance 'unacceptable'

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Beijing will urge Tokyo on Tuesday to change its stance on the Diaoyu Islands in talks with the highest-level diplomat Japan has sent to China after its illegal "purchase" of part of the islands.

The "purchase" ignited the worst diplomatic crisis between the two countries in years.

Observers said Japan's sincerity remains to be proven and the talks may make little difference if Tokyo refuses to make concessions in its hardline stance.

Japan's Vice-Foreign Minister Chikao Kawai, the most senior unelected official in the ministry, arrived in Beijing on Monday.

"At the request of Japan, China has agreed to Japan's Vice-Foreign Minister Chikao Kawai visiting China on Monday and Tuesday, to hold consultations with Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun on current China-Japan relations, especially the Diaoyu Islands issue," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing on Monday.

"China will clarify its position on the Diaoyu Islands and urge Japan to correct its mistakes as well as make efforts to improve ties with China," Hong said.

Two surveillance vessels, the Haijian 66 and Haijian 46, entered waters near the islands on Monday morning.

The State Oceanic Administration said the two vessels were undertaking a "defensive" patrol near the islands.

The Japanese Coast Guard demanded the Chinese ships move out of the area, but received no response, a Japanese official said.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said it had lodged an official protest with the Chinese ambassador to Japan against the move.

Questions:

1. What is the name of the islands?

2. Name the two surveillance ships that entered waters near the islands?

3. What word did the State Oceanic Administration use to describe their patrol?

Answers:

1. Diaoyu Islands.

2. Haijian 66 and Haijian 46.

3. Defensive.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.