Chinese patrol disputed islands

Chinese ships are patrolling near disputed East China Sea islands in a show of anger after Tokyo moved to assert its control in the area.

Two patrol ships of the China Marine Surveillance, whose craft are often lightly armed, arrived yesterday according to China's official Xinhua News Agency. It said a plan of action had been drawn up to safeguard China's sovereignty of the islands.

Beijing warned that Japan would suffer consequences it went ahead and purchase the islands from private owners. The deal was agreed yesterday.