China opposes unilateral Japanese action near Diaoyu Islands: FM spokesman

BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China opposes recent unilateral action taken by Japan concerning the Diaoyu Islands, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday.

Hong made the remarks in response to a question regarding the impact of a recent fishery agreement signed by Japan and Taiwan on China's sovereignty.

Japan and Taiwan signed a fishing rights accord for waters near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea on Wednesday.

Under the agreement, Taiwan trawlers will be permitted to fish in waters near the Diaoyu Islands.

"We have made clear our position on the issue," Hong said at a daily press briefing.

He reiterated that the Diaoyu Islands and their adjacent islets are part of China's territory.

Hong added that China and Japan signed a fishing pact in 1997.

"We demand that Japanese side properly handle Taiwan-related issues according to the principles and spirit set in the China-Japan Joint Statement," he said.

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