East China Sea activities beyond dispute: DM

There is no doubt that China has the right to conduct activities and construct facilities on its own territory, asserted China's Defense Ministry on Thursday in response to recent claims made by Japanese media outlets claims that China is establishing a military base on the Nanji Islands.

"Some media in Japan make irresponsible speculations about China's legitimate activities and construction and play up tensions in the region. It is pure media hype," Yang Yujun, defense ministry spokesperson, told a press conference.

The Nanji Islands are part of Zhejiang Province, about 300 kilometers to the northwest of the disputed Diaoyu Islands.

Kyodo News Sunday reported that China is building military facilities on Nanji Islands to enhance China's readiness to respond to potential military crises in the area.