China: Diaoyu Islands can't be 'bought'
Source: Agencies |
July 8, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA will not allow its territory to be "purchased" by anyone, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said yesterday, after Japan said that it was looking to buy disputed islands from a Japanese citizen.
Spokesman Liu Weimin was responding to comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda who said his government was negotiating with a Japanese "private owner" to "nationalize" part of China's Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan.
"The Chinese government will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the sovereign rights of the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets," Liu said.
Noda had told reporters he is considering nationalizing part of the islands to strengthen Japan's control over them amid China's territorial claims in the region.
Surrounded by rich fishing grounds, the uninhabited islands are a flash point in diplomatic relations.
Noda said Japan effectively controls the islands that are "undisputedly part of Japan's inherent territory by historical evidence and international law."
But he acknowledged trying to purchase the islands from a Japanese citizen, who Japan says has legal ownership, as an option to strengthen their defense.
"We are talking to the owner as we make a comprehensive study of how we can maintain control over the islands peacefully and stably," Noda said.
China has said in the past that any unilateral measure taken by Japan concerning the islands is illegal and invalid.
Spokesman Liu Weimin was responding to comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda who said his government was negotiating with a Japanese "private owner" to "nationalize" part of China's Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan.
"The Chinese government will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the sovereign rights of the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets," Liu said.
Noda had told reporters he is considering nationalizing part of the islands to strengthen Japan's control over them amid China's territorial claims in the region.
Surrounded by rich fishing grounds, the uninhabited islands are a flash point in diplomatic relations.
Noda said Japan effectively controls the islands that are "undisputedly part of Japan's inherent territory by historical evidence and international law."
But he acknowledged trying to purchase the islands from a Japanese citizen, who Japan says has legal ownership, as an option to strengthen their defense.
"We are talking to the owner as we make a comprehensive study of how we can maintain control over the islands peacefully and stably," Noda said.
China has said in the past that any unilateral measure taken by Japan concerning the islands is illegal and invalid.
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