NEW : Noda says recent relations with North Korea are ` ` regrettable '' China decided this morning to protect its ` ` territorial integrity '' The ships are privately owned by a Japanese company . South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited the islands last month , prompting Japan to recall its ambassador to Seoul and warn that it will take the issue to the International Court of Justice -- a proposal rejected by Seoul . The Japanese premier says the government is close to a deal to buy them .
NEW : Noda says recent relations with North Korea are ` ` regrettable '' China decided this morning to protect its ` ` territorial integrity '' The ships are privately owned by a Japanese company . The Japanese premier says the government is close to a deal to buy them .