In a new effort to bolster its claim to the disputed Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, the Chinese government has launched websites under www.钓鱼岛.cn and www.diaoyudao.org.cn. The website also serves to expose the strategic ambitions of Japan's ultra-right wing government.

Next to the Chinese national flag, the words "Diaoyu Islands — Integral Chinese Territory" top the website’s home page. Below photos of the disputed islands, identified by their Chinese names, appear a Chinese government statement as to why the islands are an integral part of China, and a timeline reaching back to the 14th century with historical documents providing proof of China’s claims.

"The Diaoyu are an inseparable part of Chinese territory," the website reads. "Whether from a historical perspective or a legal one, they are integral Chinese territory."

"The country should have had a website like this long ago," said Liang Fang, a professor in the Strategic Research Department of the PLA National Defense University. The website, currently available only in Chinese, will eventually be available in other languages, including Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.

The website was set up by the National Marine Data and Information Service, a department under the State Oceanic Administration."If the website were sponsored by the Department of Defense, it would have too much of a military color. China does not want to escalate the conflict," Prof. Liang said.

Relations between China and Japan have been tense for years, exacerbated by the conflicting claims over the islands. Japan's ultra-right wing government harbors ill-considered strategic ambitions not only over the Diaoyu Islands issue but also on collective self-defense, revision of its constitution, and ending the three principles of arms export ban.

"China has a vast array of historical references Of course it should display them on the Internet," Liang added. "This will help people understand the historical truth."