Beijing: A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson asserted on Tuesday that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are an inherent part of China's territory, rejecting Japan's protest regarding the patrol activities conducted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the disputed waters.

According to Namibia Press Agency, spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the matter during a daily press briefing. The statement was a response to media reports about four CCG vessels entering the waters around Diaoyu Dao on November 16. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Minoru Kihara, had reportedly communicated stern protests over the incident through diplomatic channels.

The Diaoyu Dao islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, are a longstanding point of contention between the two nations, with both asserting territorial claims. The recent patrol by CCG vessels further escalates the tension, as Japan views such activities as a breach of its sovereignty.

Mao Ning's remarks underscore China's firm stance on the issue, indicating that the country remains resolute in its claim over the islands despite international disputes. Both nations continue to engage diplomatically, yet incidents like these highlight the fragile nature of the situation in the East China Sea.