Tokyo, Sept. 2 (ANI): An inspection team from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has departed for the disputed Senkaku Islands on a chartered vessel, three of which it plans to purchase from a private owner.
The 25 members, including metropolitan government officials, a real estate appraiser and marine policy researchers, are not permitted to land on the islets of Uotsuri, Kitakojima and Minamikojima.
According to the Japan Times, they have, however, set sail for the islands to examine possible uses for them and locations to construct marine facilities from surrounding waters.
The team will return to Ishigaki Port in Okinawa Prefecture on Sunday evening.
The metro government said the team plans to conduct basic research and will return to the East China Sea islands, which are controlled by Japan, but claimed by China and Taiwan, for further inspections as early as October, the report said.
Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara has shown a willingness to accompany the team on their next trip.
The Senkaku chain, known as Diaoyu in China and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan, is at the center of a bitter territorial dispute that has escalated since a group of Chinese activists landed on Uotsuri in August, the report added. (ANI)
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