NEW : Noda says recent tensions with South Korea are `` regrettable '' but not a reason to change the status quo in Japan.'' The islands are privately owned by a Japanese family . The Japanese premier says the government is close to a deal to buy them .
NEW : Noda says recent tensions with South Korea are `` regrettable '' China vowed this week to defend its `` territorial integrity '' The islands are privately owned by a Japanese family . The Japanese premier says the government is close to a deal to buy them .