Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed China’s “grave concern” and “strong displeasure” over what he described as the “highly irresponsible remarks” made by Prime Minister Noda.
Japanese Prime minister Yoshihiko Noda on Thursday said Japan is ready to send in the military if necessary to protect the disputed islands of Senkaku, known as the Diaoyu Islands in China.
Yoshihiko Noda said, “If a neighbouring country does something illegal in the vicinity of the Senkaku islands, we will, if need be, send the Self-Defense Forces and deal with this firmly as a nation. But preventive measures and crisis management, including diplomatic solutions, are paramount in order to prevent any such scenario from unfolding.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei also reaffirmed China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. He added that the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have been part of China’s inherent territory since ancient times. Hong also took note of Japan’s willingness to solve the issue through diplomatic efforts, and called on them to make concrete efforts in light of over-all Japan-China relations.
CNTV