Japan aims to confuse S. China Sea row: China

BEIJING • China has accused Japan of trying to "confuse" the situation in the South China Sea, after Tokyo said it would step up activity there via joint patrols with the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a briefing yesterday: "Let's have a look at the results of Japan's throwing things into disorder... trying to confuse the South China Sea situation under the pretence of (acting for) the international community."

REUTERS

Japanese PM 'may dissolve Lower House'

TOKYO • Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is said to be considering dissolving the Lower House when the nation's legislature convenes in January, with an eye on extending his term as party leader, reported the Nikkei Asian Review.

"A dissolution in January is possible," it quoted Finance Minister Taro Aso as telling junior lawmakers in his faction of the ruling party last month.