The government said Friday it will attempt before the typhoon season to salvage a suspected North Korean spy ship that sank in China's exclusive economic zone in December after a shootout with Japan Coast Guard vessels.
Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, following the day's Cabinet meeting, instructed her to negotiate with China so Japan can salvage the ship before the typhoon season starts.
"We will talk with the Chinese, gain their understanding and salvage (the ship)," Kawaguchi told reporters.