Japan expressed concern Monday at bilateral security talks with China on Chinese naval intelligence activities off the Japanese coast, saying they are not compatible with the spirit of friendship between the two countries.
Japan raised the issue at a one-day session of regular bilateral consultations on security issues held in Beijing between senior Foreign Ministry and defense officials, Japanese officials said.
According to Japanese officials, a Chinese spy ship cruised around Honshu in May. Japanese officials described the vessel as a 4,420-ton Yanbing-class icebreaker that doubles as a surveillance and research ship.
The Japanese delegation also filed a protest with the Chinese about the operation of Chinese maritime survey vessels in Japanese territorial waters and economic zones.