Three Chinese ships in disputed waters: Japan

It marks the latest in a long line of stand-offs between official ships from both sides as Beijing and Tokyo jostle over ownership of the strategically important and resource-rich islands.

A long-simmering territorial row that dates back four decades blistered in September when Tokyo nationalized three islands in the chain,in what it said was a mere administrative change of ownership.

The central government8217;s move was intended to pre-empt a purchase by the Tokyo city government led by nationalist governor Shintaro Ishihara at the time.

Tokyo8217;s move prompted angry anti-Japan demonstrations across China,which has intensified claims to the islands it says should have been 8220;returned8221; after World War II.