FM opposes US Senate over Diaoyu amendment

China's foreign ministry on Monday expressed strong opposition to the US-Japan security treaty after Washington reaffirmed its commitment to Japan in its territorial dispute with China over the Diaoyu Islands.

"The Chinese side expresses serious concern and firm opposition to the US Senate's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

"The Diaoyu Islands and affiliated islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times. China has indisputable sovereignty over them."

Hong said the legislation violated Washington's repeated pledge not to take sides in the dispute.

The recently approved amendment was attached Thursday to the National Defense Authorization Bill, which noted that while the United States "takes no position" on the ultimate sovereignty of the territory, it "acknowledges the administration of Japan" over the islands.

It added that "unilateral actions of a third party" would not affect its position.

The legislation passed last week reaffirmed the US commitment to Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and warned that an armed attack against either party "in the territories under the administration of Japan" would be met in accordance with its provisions.

"The US-Japan security treaty is a product of the Cold War and should not go beyond the bilateral scope or undermine the interests of a third party," said Hong.

"We hope the US side will bear in mind the broader interests of peace and stability in the region, honor its words with actions and refrain from sending self-contradictory, wrong signals."

Global Times - Agencies