China absence from tsunami ceremony 'disappointing': Japan

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan said on Tuesday it was "disappointing" China did not send anyone to a ceremony marking the second anniversary of its tsunami, in the latest sign of deteriorating ties between the two countries.

Beijing's apparent snub came after Japan invited representatives from Taiwan to take part on an equal footing with other diplomats in the national remembrance for people killed by the 2011 quake-tsunami.

The move also came as tensions between Tokyo and Beijing simmer over a territorial row, with Chinese government ships on Tuesday spotted in disputed waters, the latest salvo in a spat over the sovereignty of uninhabited, but strategically vital, islands.

"The Japanese government explained to China that we would treat Taiwan appropriately in this ceremony considering its enormous support to us," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters.