Diaoyu and its affiliated islands have always been an inherent part of Chinese territory and China firmly defends its territorial sovereignty, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Saturday. 

“Any words or deeds aimed at violating China’s sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands are futile,” Lu said. 

Diaoyu island (Photo: VCG)

China urges Japan to face up to history and reality and teach younger generations the correct historical view to avoid affecting China-Japan relations, Lu added. 

The remarks were made when Lu was asked for comments on the Japanese Education Ministry's decision to add "the Diaoyu Islands are 'inherent' parts of Japan's territory" in its new teaching guidelines for senior high schools.