Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba says he has ordered Japan's ambassador to China to return home temporarily. The diplomat will report on China's recent moves concerning the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Gemba, now visiting Vietnam, told reporters on Saturday that Ambassador Uichiro Niwa will return to Japan Sunday. He said he wants to discuss with Niwa in person recent developments involving Okinawa's Senkaku Islands and the future of Japan-China relations.
China claims the island chain.

Gemba suggested that he decided to ask Niwa to return after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Wednesday in Cambodia. During the discussions, the Chinese side sharply denounced Japan's plan to nationalize the islands.
The role of the Japanese ambassador has been controversial. Last month, Niwa criticized efforts by the Governor of Tokyo to buy some of the islets, saying the idea may lead to a crisis in the relationship between the 2 countries.

Some in Japan have called for Gemba to dismiss Niwa over the comments.

Gemba responded that Niwa has already been reprimanded, and the ambassador has expressed regret over the remarks. The minister added Niwa will return to Beijing as soon as he finishes his duties in Tokyo.

Jul. 14, 2012 - Updated 18:49 UTC (03:49 JST)