The Chinese government has released a new statement, rejecting comments made by the U.S. President Barack Obama connected to the Diaoyu Islands.
In his meeting today with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Obama says the US security arrangement with Japan covers the Diaoyu Islands.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang.
"The so-called US-Japan security treaty is a product of the Cold War era and it cannot be aimed at a third party and ought not to harm China's territorial sovereignty. No matter what anyone says or does, it cannot change the basic reality that the Diaoyu Islands are China's inherent territory and cannot shake the resolve and determination of the Chinese government and people to protect our sovereignty and maritime rights."
While stressing the US will not take sides in the territorial disputes between China and Japan, Obama is also calling on Japan and China to tackle their disputes through dialogue.
The U.S. President also says the US-Japan alliance is not only the "foundation" of the United States' security in the Asia-Pacific region, but "for the region as a whole."
"We are looking at a whole range of issues that are challenging at this time including the threats posed by North Korea, the nuclearization that has been taking place in that country, but because of the strong cooperation between our countries, I am confident that we will continue to make progress in the future."
Obama and Shinzo Abe have also agreed to continue their talks on the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks.
Abe also says both sides have agreed to work together with South Korea and China to deal with issues connected to North Korea.
