Japanese politicians' Diaoyu Islands comments 'petty'

BEIJING - China on Thursday slammed a group of Japanese politicians for their remarks on the Diaoyu Islands, saying their "petty acts" cannot change the facts concerning the area.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks when commenting on Tokyo metropolitan government calls for fund-raising to buy some of the islets.

The Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets, over which China owns indisputable sovereignty, have been inherent parts of Chinese territory since ancient times, Liu reiterated.

Irresponsible words and acts by the Japanese politicians will not only undermine their credibility, but also harm Japan's international image, said the spokesman.

He added China will continue with measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.