Japanese lawmakers plan to set foot on Diaoyu Islands

Several Japanese lawmakers plan to set foot on the disputed Diaoyu Islands in mid-August. They said they want to hold a vigil on the islands for the victims of a refugee shipwreck during the Second World War.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has said he will discuss the matter in the cabinet, which will decide whether to give a go-ahead. Noda also says he agrees that only government members could visit the islands, but he respects the lawmakers' will of mourning the WWII refugees.

Noda adds the purchase procedures of the Diaoyu islands are underway, and the Japanese government aims to nationalize the islands by April 2013.

In response, China has voiced strong opposition over Japan’s unilateral move on the Diaoyu Islands. The Diaoyu Islands have been China’s inherent territory since ancient times. And the Chinese side will continue its efforts to protect its sovereignty over the area.