China says 'no concessions' on sovereignty

BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said senior Chinese diplomats will make no concessions on sovereignty issues in upcoming talks with Japanese counterparts.

Hong Lei made the remarks when briefing reporters about talks between Luo Zhaohui, director-general of the foreign ministry's Department of Asian Affairs, and Shinsuke Sugiyama, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau.

Luo and Sugiyama held consultations on the Diaoyu Islands from Sunday to Monday, to prepare for the next round of diplomatic consultations at vice-ministerial level, Hong confirmed.

"Luo reiterated China's solemn stance on the Diaoyu Islands' sovereignty, and said China is willing to resolve disputes through negotiations, but will never make any concessions on sovereignty. Japan has to have a clear understanding of this," Hong said.

China and Japan have maintained communication through various channels, and launched consultations at vice foreign minister level on September 25, the spokesman added.

China has stated its firm stance and will to safeguard its sovereignty in consultations with Japan at different levels, and urged Japan to correct its mistakes, according to Hong.