Disputed islands are Japan's inherent territory: Shinzo Abe
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Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Presidsent Shinzo Abe speaks during a TV interview after he put rosettes by successful general electoral candidates' names on a board at the party headquarters in Tokyo on Dec 16, 2012. Mr Shinzo Abe, who piloted his Liberal Democratic Party to victory in Sunday's election, said there is no doubt about Japan's ownership of islands at the centre of a dispute with China. -- PHOTO: AFP
TOKYO (AFP) - Mr Shinzo Abe, who piloted his Liberal Democratic Party to victory in Sunday's election, said there is no doubt about Japan's ownership of islands at the centre of a dispute with China.
"China is challenging the fact that (the islands) are Japan's inherent territory," said Mr Abe, who is expected to become prime minister.
"Our objective is to stop the challenge. We don't intend to worsen relations between Japan and China."
Japan and China have been at loggerheads for decades over the sovereignty of a small chain of islands in the East China Sea.
