China asks Japan to halt provocation

China has asked Japan to immediately stop all of its provocative actions over the ownership of Diaoyu Islands.

Reacting to a video clip on the Japanese foreign ministry's website promoting the Diaoyu Islands (known as Senkaku Islands in Japan) as Japanese territory, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday it was another provocative action and China expresses its firm opposition to it, Xinhua reported.

Hong Lei reiterated that no publicity could change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands belonged to China.

Japan should face up to historical facts and reality, and that it should address these disputes through dialogue and consultation, the spokesperson added.

According to the news reports, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is looking for support from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on maritime and air safety.

In response, Hong said China urged parties concerned to avoid jeopardising a third party's interests with their diplomatic efforts.

The spokesperson also refuted Japan's charge of China's maritime and air activities, saying: "Japan has hidden political agendas in hyping up the so-called China threat," and referred to it as Japan's excuse for revising pacifist constitution and military expansion.

The official urged Japan to stop with the unreasonable accusations and take a peaceful development path to maintain regional peace and stability.