The Japanese government's decision to buy the Diaoyu Islands has severely infringed on China's territorial integrity, gravely hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and grossly violated the norms of international law.

The move is no less than pouring oil on fire as a recent string of Japanese provocations over the Diaoyu Islands have already undermined the hard-won strategic partnership between the two countries.

Turning a blind eye to protests across China and a deaf ear to serious warnings from the Chinese government, the Japanese government on Monday officially decided to buy three of the islets for 2.05 billion yen (26 million U.S. dollars).

The Japanese government even confounded black with white by alleging that the move was aimed to manage the islands in a "calm and stable" manner and that bringing the islands under state control will help preserve regional stability.

Tokyo's logic is ridiculous as the Diaoyu Islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times. No matter in what form, such a unilateral move to buy land that belongs to a foreign nation is neither illegal nor valid.

The Japanese government must bear full responsibility for whatever repercussions that may arise.

When meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Sunday, Chinese President Hu Jintao made it clear that the Chinese government stands firm on the issue of safeguarding its territorial integrity.

Hu seriously pointed out that China-Japan relations had recently faced a severe situation due to the Diaoyu Islands, warning that Japan must fully recognize the gravity of the situation and should not make wrong decisions.

In fact, the Japanese government has been hijacked by rightists over the Diaoyu Islands as it chose to intervene after Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara took steps to purchase the islands.

The island-buying farce directed by the right-wing hardliner aimed to corner the ruling Democratic Party, which faced criticisms from the rightists for being soft on territorial disputes.

By flaring up the disputes and fueling nationalist sentiments, the Japanese rightists seek nothing but their own political gains in domestic politics.

Such short-sightedness will certainly backfire as such moves will further damage the Sino-Japanese relationship on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Moreover, the international community has good reason to worry about the political orientation in Japan. Tokyo should rein in domestic rightist sentiments to convince the world that it sticks to a peaceful path of development.

A healthy relationship between the two Asian heavyweights conforms to the fundamental interests of both China and Japan, and contributes to regional and global peace and stability.

Therefore it is highly advisable that Japan immediately stop any action that may infringe on China's territorial integrity and return to the right track of solving disputes through negotiations.

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