Japan expressed regret over Taiwan's decision to dispatch government vessels to patrol Japan's self-declared exclusive economic zone around tiny Okinotorishima Island, the southernmost point of Japanese territory, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Ministry spokeswoman, Eleanor Wang, said that Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida expressed "feelings of regret" over Taiwan's decision via the Interchange Association, Tokyo's de facto mission in Taiwan. The association acts as a negotiator for Taiwan and Japan because the countries do not have formal diplomatic ties.

"They said they do not want to see the matter undermine bilateral ties," Wang said. "They also promised to continue strengthening communications with us about the matter."