Beijing hits back at Tokyo's stance

China is determined to protect its territory, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, as Japan warned that it would send patrols to demand that Chinese naval vessels leave waters near the Diaoyu Islands.

"China's stance on the Diaoyu Islands is consistent and clear," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular media briefing, adding that the islands have been Chinese territory since "ancient times".

"At the same time, we do not want to see tensions escalate in the East China Sea and are willing to properly manage, control and settle the problems through dialogue and consultation," Hong said.