Tokyo gov't survey group starts illegal survey at waters near Diaoyu Islands

• A survey group organized by Tokyo metropolitan gov't started illegal survey around the Diaoyu Islands.
• Tokyo metropolitan government said it plans to study the natural environment of the Diaoyu Islands.
• Tokyo is also preparing to hold another survey on the Diaoyu Islands in October.
TOKYO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A survey group organized by Tokyo metropolitan government arrived at waters near Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea and started illegal survey around the islands Sunday morning, local media reported.

The group departed from Ishigaki port, Okinawa, Saturday night and arrived at waters surrounding Diaoyu Islands at 5 a.m. Sunday local time. The group started illegal survey at 6:15 a.m., including measuring the temperature and the depth of the water and the landform of the area.

The group is expected to return to Ishigaki port Sunday night, according to media reports.

Tokyo metropolitan government said it plans to study the natural environment of the Diaoyu Islands because it's a necessary step for buying the islands.

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