Japan looks to international community to lower temperature in China row

STAFF WRITER –

Japan is continuing to take what it says is a “calm and resolute” response in its ongoing dispute with China — a row that has grown more heated with last week’s military radar incident — as it looks to the international community to help lower the temperature.

“Gaining the understanding of other nations regarding the Japanese government’s policies and stance is of the utmost importance,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the government’s top spokesman, said Thursday.

Japan had “consistently taken various opportunities” to explain Tokyo’s position to other countries in a “timely and appropriate manner” and will continue to do so, he added, noting that the country has maintained “close communication” with allies and partners over the radar incident.