"Japan to investigate China warships near Okinawa"

"TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan said on Tuesday it would investigate the sighting of several Chinese submarines and warships last week in the high seas near the southern island of Okinawa, where U.S. bases are concentrated in Japan.

Two submarines and eight vessels were spotted on Saturday about 140 km (90 miles) southwest of Okinawa, the first time Japan has confirmed the presence of Chinese submarines and such a large number of vessels in the area, defence ministry officials said.

"Such a situation has not happened before and we will investigate this, including whether (China has) any intentions against our country," Japanese Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa told reporters.

China did not violate any international law by navigating in that area, a defence ministry official said."