War remark by Liu sparks controversy

SOVEREIGNTY CLAIM After being pressed by a KMT legislator about going to war with Japan over the Diaoyutai islands, the premier said war was a last option

By Flora Wang and Jenny W. Hsu / STAFF REPORTER

“This matter should be dealt with in a way that does not damage the healthy development of ties with Taiwan,” a Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said.

Taiwan, China and Japan all claim sovereignty over the Diaoyutais although Tokyo exerts control over the chain and claims sovereignty over the territorial waters.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SHIH HSIU-CHUAN AND CNA

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