Japan has struck a deal to buy the , claimed by both China and Taiwan, Japanese media reported Wednesday. The government will pay the Japanese family that owns the islands about $26.2 million at the end of the month for three of the five islands. Chinese officials quickly responded, calling the deal illegal. “China’s will and determination to defend its territorial sovereignty is unshakable,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said. “China is closely watching the situation and will take necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty.” Last month, Chinese cities witnessed large-scale anti-Japanese protests when Japanese activists raised a flag on one of the islands.
Via