Japan urges China to act calmly in islands row

Japan has called for calm in the wake of China's apparent decision to suspend top-level ties over a territorial row.

A government spokesman said Japan had not yet been formally informed of the move but urged China to act prudently.

On Sunday Chinese media said ministerial and provincial-level contacts had been suspended.

It followed Japan's decision to extend the detention of the captain of a Chinese trawler accused of hitting two Japanese vessels in waters both claim.

Martin Patience reports.