Taiwan Joins Pacific Islands Battle

The battle between China and Japan over a group of East China Sea islands continues as Taiwan enters the mix. Taiwanese fishing boats, backed by eight of the Taiwanese Coast Guard Administration ships, approached the disputed islands Tuesday, only to be greeted by martial fire from Japanese Coast Guard vessels. China’s and Japan’s foreign ministers spent a little time discussing the dispute among themselves while at the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday. Taiwan’s recent attempt to also claim ownership over the islands is considered good news by the Chinese, who think Taiwan will eventually be reunited with the mainland. Earlier this week, Chinese ships entered the disputed water, sparking an official protest from Japan.