Chinese woman ‘purchases’ uninhabited Okinawa island, triggers stir: Report

An uninhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture of Japan was reportedly bought by a Chinese woman, whose identity was not revealed.Japan Times reported on Saturday (February 11) that the woman's claims were made on social media, which led to a stir online.According to the report, a few users highlighted that the move would be part of Beijing's attempt at "an expansion of Chinese territory".

The woman, who is believed to be in her 30s, said as quoted by Chinese media that a company run by her relative had bought Yanaha Island, which is located north of the Okinawa main island.

A Tokyo-based consulting firm owns part of the island. The firm reportedly specialises in Chinese businesses, public records showed.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

Divulging further details, the office of Izena village in Okinawa said that the company owns about 50 per cent of the total land. Its beaches are mostly held by the local government.

The woman posted a video on a social media forum in late January, where she can be seen showing her first visit to the island.

As per Japan Times, an Izena Island resident had taken the Chinese woman and another woman on a trip to Yanaha Island by boat.

The resident said they stayed there for several hours and took pictures and footage of the local scenery.

The online video showed a document addressed to the consulting firm, which claims on its website to have acquired Yanaha Island.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.