China refuses Japan's representation over Diaoyu Islands

BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday that China does not accept a representation lodged by Japan over Chinese fishery administration vessels' recent patrol of waters off the Diaoyu Islands.

Spokesman Liu Weimin said at a daily news briefing that Chinese fishery administration vessels entered into the waters under Chinese jurisdiction to conduct official duties in accordance with Chinese law.

The vessels made routine patrols aimed at strengthening fisheries management as the fishing season comes to a close, Liu said.

He stressed that the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times.

"China does not accept the representation lodged by the Japanese side over the issue," Liu said.