Japan on Friday decided to release a Chinese fishing boat captain whose arrest near disputed islands sparked a diplomatic dispute, a ccording to DPA. Prosecutors in the southern city of Naha made the decision, Japan's Kyodo News agency said. China repeatedly demanded the "immediate and unconditional" release of the 41-year-old sailor who was arrested on September 7. The man was taken into custody after his boat collided twice with Japan Coast Guard vessels. The incident took place near islands known as Senkaku in Japan, Diaoyu in China and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan. The islands, together with the oil-rich surrounding area, are claimed by all three governments.
