On Tuesday, the Japanese cabinet signed a contract finalizing the purchase of three of the five privately owned islands in the disputed island chain called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China,. for a reported 26 million U.S. dollars.
In response, China sent two patrol ships from its China Marine Surveillance law enforcement agency on Tuesday to monitor the islands and its surrounding waters, according to Chinese state media.
The Xinhua News Agency reported that the CMS had already drafted an action plan to safeguard China's sovereignty over the islands.
The Chinese government has reiterated that Japan's move is not only invalid, but illegal.
It defined the baseline of its territorial waters, which includes the Diaoyu Islands, a move China claims will give it greater legitimacy to act against Japan's claims.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday that his country would make absolutely no concessions on its sovereignty over the islands.
China's Foreign Ministry echoed the sentiment.


[Interview : Hong Lei, Spokesperson
Chinese Foreign Ministry] "In order to protect our territory, China will take the necessary steps to counter Japan's decision."

The uninhabited island chain has been under Japanese control since 1895, with the exception of a few post-war years.
China's sovereignty claims over the islands date back to the 14th century Ming Dynasty.
Kim Han-ul, Arirang News.

Reporter : chkim@arirang.co.kr