Japanische Regierung will von Privatbesitzer drei umstrittene Inseln kaufen

Und ist damit schneller als die Tokyoter Lokalregierung.

The national government plans to build nothing on the islands and do nothing that might anger China. If reports of an agreement with the owner are true, it would be a major disappointment for Tokyo Gov. Ishihara and his nationalist supporters. Ishihara wanted to tighten Japanese control over the islands by building a small port that could provide shelter to fishing boats during stormy weather.