Most networks reported at noon that FM Kishida summoned the Chinese ambassador this morning and lodged a protest against Chinese vessels sailing close to the Senkakus. According to TV Asahi, Kishida told the ambassador that dispatching numerous government vessels despite repeated protests is a violation of sovereignty and unacceptable. Kishida reportedly called on China to immediately remove the vessels from the area. The ambassador reiterated the position that it is “natural for Chinese vessels to operate in the area.” TV Asahi said while Japan and China are arranging a summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September, an aide to PM Abe said the premier will need to lodge a strong protest at the summit. The network said the GOJ is strongly alarmed by China’s repeated attempts to exert sovereignty over the East China Sea, adding that Tokyo is considering its next move.