Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary says the government and the purported owner of the Diaoyu Islands are still in discussion about a possible sale of the islands. He denied media claims that they have agreed to buy the disputed islands. China has reiterated many times that any unilateral action by Japan regarding the Diaoyu Islands is illegal and invalid.

On Wednesday, A spokesman for the foreign ministry said China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands is unswerving.

Hong Lei, Foreign Ministry spokesman said,"The Diaoyu Island and surrounding islets have been China’s inherent territory since ancient times. The islands were first found, named and used by the Chinese. They have been within China’s maritime defense sphere since the Ming Dynasty. Japan asserted its sovereignty during the Sino-Japanese War in 1895 and seized the islands through illegal means. Despite China’s repeated representations, Japan has ignored China’s demands and deliberately continued the purchase process, which has undermined China’s territorial sovereignty. China is closely following the development of the issue and will take necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty."

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)