Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Asked about reports that four China Coast Guard vessels entered waters near the Diaoyu Islands on Sunday, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press briefing on the 17th that Tokyo had "lodged a stern protest through diplomatic channels." In response on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, and that China Coast Guard vessels patrolling in China's territorial waters are lawful, justified, and beyond reproach. 

The spokesperson said China does not accept Japan's unreasonable representations, has rejected them on the spot, and has lodged representations countering it.

Mao said China urges Japan to abide by the four-point principled agreement between the two countries, respect China's territorial sovereignty, do not interfere with lawful China Coast Guard vessels patrols, and avoid taking any actions that could lead to an escalation of the situation.

Global Times