China urges Japan to stop hyping up maritime issues

BEIJING -- A Chinese spokesman on Monday urged Japan to stop hyping up maritime issues to avoid further disturbing the bilateral relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to Japan's criticism of China over maritime issues.

In its annual foreign policy report, or the Diplomatic Bluebook 2016, released Friday, Japan commented on China's construction on island and reef in the South China Sea and Chinese ships' frequent entries into waters near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.

Lu said China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands as well as the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters.

"We will resolutely safeguard the nation's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests while being committed to addressing the disputes with the countries directly concerned through negotiations and consultations," he said.

Lu said he noticed that the Bluebook also touched upon the importance of China-Japan relationship for regional peace and stability.

"If the Japanese side does hope to stabilize bilateral ties and maintain regional peace, it should practise what it preaches," said the spokesman.