Chinese Premier Urged Japan To Set Free Boat Captain Immediately

Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, has urged Tokyo to instantly and unconditionally set free the captain of a Chinese fishing boat who is being detained by Japanese authorities.

During his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly meeting, he warned that action will be taken against Japan if the detained captain is not released. The captain was taken into custody two weeks ago after his boat collided with Japanese patrol ships while sailing in the disputed waters surrounding Diaoyu Islands. The captain is alleged to have obstructed Japanese officers as they tried to perform their duties.

A court in Japan has ordered the extension of the captain's detention as diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing decline further. The decision came after China warned of strong retaliatory measures if the captain was not freed immediately. Beijing has already called off high-level talks with Tokyo over the dispute.

According to Wen, the responsibility for the situation rests entirely with Japan, and it will have to bear all consequences. Wang Guangya, China's vice foreign minister, said during a telephone conversation with Japan's ambassador to China that the issue has severely damaged ties between two countries.

According to the Embassy of Japan in Beijing, China has been urged by Japan to tackle the issue cautiously and calmly to prevent a further acceleration of the crises. Tokyo has already released the 14 members of the crew, who have been sent back to China, and has returned the vessel as well.