Japan sees risks in China's stance in island spats

TOKYO — Japan has criticized China for trying to resolve territorial conflicts with shows of force that increase the risk of potentially dangerous clashes.

The Ministry of Defense said in a report Tuesday that it was increasingly concerned by China's activities in waters around islands that both countries claim. Relations between Japan and China have been strained because of the dispute.

For months, boats from both countries have regularly patrolled around the small island group called the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyutai in China. That's raising fears of an escalation.

The ministry's annual report was the first issued under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He took office late last year and has been a strong advocate of bolstering Japan's military and taking a hawkish position toward China.