File photo shows the Diaoyu Islands. (Xinhua/Yang Jinzhi)
BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- It is legitimate and indisputable for Chinese official vessels to carry out law enforcement activities in the waters near the Diaoyu Islands, the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense said Monday.
The remarks came in response to Japanese media's concern over activities by Chinese official vessels near the Diaoyu Islands.
The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are an inherent part of China's territory, which is solidly grounded in history and law, the office said, noting that Chinese official vessels have legitimate and indisputable rights to carry out law enforcement activities in China's territorial waters.
Such law enforcement activities will continue as regular moves, the office added.
As an important neighbor of China, Japan is expected to work with China to strengthen mutually-beneficial cooperation and deliver more benefits to both countries and peoples, and adhere to a guiding principle that the two countries are partners rather than threats to each other, the office said. ■
