China slams Japanese maritime lawsuit

China on Wednesday responded to reported Japanese plans to file for damages against the Chinese captain of a fishing boat which collided with Japanese patrol ships off the Diaoyu Islands in 2010.

[Related: Japan to prosecute Chinese captain over collision near Diaoyu Islands]

China reiterates its demand for an apology and compensation from Japan for the incident and urges Japan to correct its wrongdoing with real efforts, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

Japanese media reported the latest development in the long-running saga on Wednesday. Its government is preparing to submit the case to a local district court of Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, with the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha demanding 14.29 million yen (about 139,300 U.S. dollars) to compensate for repair costs, Kyodo News cited Transport Minister Akihiro Ota as saying.

Hua, however, said that the incident severely infringed upon China's territorial sovereignty and damaged the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen when she was asked to comment on the suit.

She emphasized that the Diaoyu Islands have been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times, adding that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has made a solemn statement that Japan's detention of a Chinese fisherman, its investigation of the incident and any kind of judicial measures are illegal and invalid.

Hua also asked Japanese leaders to face up to the voice for justice in Japan as well as in the international community and correct mistakes with a sincere attitude, properly handle historical issues with responsibility and gain trust from its Asian neighbors and the international society through real efforts.