Beijing calls mission in Diaoyu Islands valid

China said a naval mission in its own territorial waters is beyond reproach and justifiable after Japan lodged a protest about a Chinese frigate entering waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands on Thursday.

Japan's behavior will not change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands and affiliated islands belong to China, and it can hardly shake the firmness and determination of China in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular news conference on Thursday.

The Defense Ministry issued a statement saying two Japan Coast Guard vessels entered the northeast contiguous zone of Chiwei Islet, which is a part of the Diaoyu Islands.