China closely monitoring Japanese encroachment on Diaoyu Islands: FM spokesman

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (People's Daily Online) -- China opposes any infringement on its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands committed by Japanese aircraft or vessels and remains vigilant against attempts to commit such acts, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question about warning shots allegedly proposed by Japan at Chinese planes patrolling the islands.

"The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islets have been China's inherent territory. Patrols conducted by Chinese planes and ships in waters off the islands represent normal administrative activities for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction," Hong said.

Asked about a recent conversation held between the defense ministers of Japan and the United States, Hong said China has always advocated solving territorial disputes through negotiations.

"Any attempts by Japan to draw in a third party to confront China over the Diaoyu Islands issue will be in vain," he said.

China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said last month that the country's military is closely monitoring the activities of Japanese air self-defense forces near the islands.

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