Cheng Yonghua, China's ambassador to Japan, rejected a protest by Tokyo over Chinese vessels patrolling waters off the Diaoyu Islands.
Patrol fleet busy due to islets dispute
Japan's diplomacy seeks to isolate China
China Marine Surveillance (CMS) patrol ships had a busy year in 2012 due to the escalation of a territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, according to CMS officials.
Japanese automakers are facing a bumpy road in the world's largest vehicle market as annual sales went into reverse gear amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.
Beijing on Friday urged the new Japanese government to overcome difficulties in its relations with China.
China's Defense Ministry on Thursday said the Chinese military "closely monitors" and is "highly vigilant" concerning relevant Japanese Air Self-Defense Force activity in the airspace over the Diaoyu Islands.Japanese aircraft harass Chinese plane China sends patrol vessel to South China Sea
Kitera's primary task is clearing up the mess caused by the Japanese government's "purchase" of China's Diaoyu Islands, which has triggered the worst bilateral tension in decades.
Despite his emphasis on using deterrence against China, Abe should look for room to negotiate with China to resolve the issue peacefully.
Japan's new ambassador arrived in Beijing on Tuesday as the country's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe picked a new foreign minister.
Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Japan ambassador: Warmer economic ties needed China on alert for Japanese fighter jets
Japan's new ambassador to China Masato Kitera, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, called himself a "Christmas present".
China is on alert after Japan dispatched fighter jets to airspace over the East China Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday.Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Comment: Easing tension over islands
Tokyo's new ambassador to China Monday expressed his country's desire to boost economic links to thaw cooling ties amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.
China voices expectations for new Japan envoy
Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Comment: Easing tension over islands
Japan's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will send a special envoy to China, media reports said, amid tension over the Diaoyu Islands.Special: Diaoyu Island Dispute Abe acts tough on islands disputes