Q: Following the Chinese government's announcement of the establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea on November 23, the Japanese side including its Foreign Ministry said that it could never accept the zone as it includes the Diaoyu islands and has made representations to the Chinese side. What is your comment?
A: The competent authorities of the Chinese government have elaborated on the rationale behind China's establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea. The relevant measures by China are totally in line with the UN Charter and other international laws and practices, and thus are fully justified. It is unreasonable and completely wrong for Japan to make irresponsible accusation against China's establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea. This is what China is firmly opposed to. With justice on the Chinese side, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Japan have refuted Japan's unjustifiable representations and urged the Japanese side to correct its mistakes.
I want to reiterate that the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are integral parts of China's territory. China is firm in its resolve and will to safeguard sovereignty over the Diaoyu islands. We call on the Japanese side to stop all actions that undermine China's territorial sovereignty and make efforts to properly manage and solve the relevant issues through dialogue and negotiation.