Japan's Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, held an emergency meeting with cabinet officials on Friday, over the rising Diaoyu Islands dispute. Ministers are reported to have discussed their response to China's surveillance and law enforcement patrols.

Following the meeting, the Chief Cabinet Secretary said the government would cooperate with related organizations to keep what he called a "close watch" on the Islands. Meanwhile, during a visit to Australia, Japanese Foreign Minister, Koichiro Gemba, told reporters that the situation should not be allowed to escalate.

Gemba said he hoped the Chinese government would respond to the situation in an appropriate manner. The Foreign Minister is due to cut short his visit to Australia and return to Japan on Saturday morning.

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