China opposes Japanese landing on Diaoyu Islands

China has strongly protested against the landing on the Diaoyu Islands by Japanese government security personnel. A number of Japanese security personnel landed on the islands illegally on Friday evening, in the name of preventing Taiwan activists from doing so.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei says the move constitutes a severe violation of China's territorial sovereignty and the Chinese side has made solemn representations to the Japanese side on the issue.

Hong Lei urges the Japanese side to stop all activities that infringe upon China's sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands. He notes that China will continue to take measures to defend its sovereignty over the territory.