China decries new Japanese claim on disputed islets

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Wednesday called out Japan’s decision to approve “unilateral territorial claims” over disputed islets.

“Diaoyu Islands had been an inherent territory of China since ancient times and that no matter what Japan writes in its textbooks, it will not change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands belong to China,” said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry.

Mao was referring to new textbooks approved by Japan's Education Ministry to be used in elementary schools from April next year.

The books state Japan’s position on disputed islands including on Diaoyu Islands, known as Senkaku Islands in Tokyo, and the disputed Takeshima Islands, known as Dokdo Islands in Seoul.

Seoul has also flayed Tokyo over the new text.

In Beijing, Mao said: “China is seriously concerned about Japan’s decision to approve a batch of primary school textbooks that promote Japan's unilateral territorial claims and has lodged solemn representations with Japan,” Chinese broadcaster CGTN reported.