South Korea, Japan to hold talks over disputed islands

Japanese under-secretary for foreign affairs Shotaro Yachi arrived in Seoul today for talks with South Korean counterparts as the neighbouring nations try to defuse mounting tensions over Tokyo's plan to send survey ships into waters claimed by both countries.

Yachi’s emergency visit comes amid South Korean warnings of a possible high-seas clash if Japan goes through with the study.

The diplomat declined to speak on the stand-off when swarmed by reporters upon arrival Seoul’s Gimpo airport.