China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says a 1960 treaty between Japan and the
US that covers the Diaoyu Islands is illegal and invalid, and a product of the
cold war. Japanese media earlier reported a US claim that the Diaoyu Island and
their affiliated islands fall within the scope of the security treaty.
Liu Weimin, Spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "Private deals made
between the US and Japan after World War II concerning the Diaoyu Islands are
illegal and invalid. The US-Japan Security Treaty is the result of the Cold War
and a mutual arrangement between the US and Japan. It should not damage the
interests of third parties including China. We hope concerned countries can
contribute more to regional peace and stability."
Liu Weimin repeated China’s claim that the Diaoyu Islands have been part of
China’s inherent territory since ancient times. He said China holds indisputable
sovereignty over the territories. On Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko
Noda indicated that the Japanese government was considering buying the Diaoyu
Islands. China’s Foreign Ministry responded China will not allow anyone to buy
or sell Chinese territory. China’s Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in
Japan have BOTH lodged complaints over the issue. Liu Weimin says the Chinese
government will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty
over the Diaoyu Islands.