Japan's remarks on China's air zone 'groundless': FM

China on Sunday said it "firmly opposes" Japan's remarks on the Diaoyu Islands included in the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, calling them "groundless and utterly wrong."

"China's measures conform to the Charter of the United Nations and international laws and practices and are thoroughly legitimate. The irresponsible remarks from the Japanese side are groundless and utterly wrong, and China firmly opposes them," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

Qin made the remarks while responding to questions concerning Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying that it couldn't accept the fact that the zone covered the Diaoyu Islands.

According to Qin, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Japan have rebutted the unreasonable representation lodged by the Japanese side and demanded Japan correct mistakes.

Qin reiterated that the Diaoyu Island and its surrounding islets are an inherent part of China's territory, and the country's determination and volition to safeguard its sovereignty over the islands are "unwavering."

"We require the Japanese side to stop all moves that undermine China's territorial sovereignty and strive to properly manage and seek solutions to the problems through dialogues and negotiations," Qin said.