Opposition to Japan's stance over the Diaoyu Islands is growing within the country. Although Japan is trying to maintain its position, the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Katsuya Okada says the "nationalization" of the Islands has gone too far, as tensions between China and Japan continue to worsen.

According to Japan's Sankei Shimbun, one of the country's five national newspapers, Okada has criticized Tokyo Governor, Shintaro Ishihara by saying the "nationalizing" of the Diaoyu Islands has magnified the problem.

He added Tokyo has no competent diplomatic responsibility. He admits China and Japan have territorial disputes, but calls for both sides to solve the disputes with dialogue.