China dismisses Japan's denial of Diaoyu Islands consensus

China has responded to Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba who has said in an interview that throughout history, China and Japan have never reached a consensus on Diaoyu Islands issues.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular briefing that it in 1972 the two countries' leaders reached a consensus on the Diaoyu islands issue during negotiations on the normalization of China and Japan relations. They agreed to put aside the Diaoyu Islands issue and wait for the solution in the future.

He reaffirmed the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islets have been China's inherent territory since ancient times and China has indisputable sovereignty over them.

Hong Lei, Spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "If Japan denies the consensus reached by the two countries, then how will we maintain the stability of the Diaoyu islands? How will we develop Sino-Japanese relations smoothly? We are calling on Japan to face the reality and return to the consensus and understanding reached by the two countries, to stop actions that are damaging China's territorial sovereignty, and eliminate the negative impact on bilateral relations due to Japan's illegal purchase of the Diaoyu Islands. "

This month marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of China-Japan relations. Hong said is could have been a good opportunity to enhance the bilateral relations. But Japan's move to buy the Diaoyu Islands negatively impacted many activities between the two countries and Japan should take full responsibility.