China has called on the United States to be more responsible when discussing regional territorial disputes.
The comment comes after U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the US opposes any attempt to "undermine Japan's administrative control" of the Diaoyu Islands.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying:
"Now as you all can see, China and the relevant countries have reached a consensus to continue to push forward for the resolution of the issue through dialogue. We hope the U.S. side can respect the wishes of China and relevant countries to resolve the problem via dialogue, say more responsible things and make more responsible moves, so it can genuinely play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability."
Last year, China and Japan reached a four-point consensus, vowing to use dialogue and consultation to resolve the issue.
Carter is currently on his first trip to Japan as a U.S. defense chief.
During the visit, the two countries agreed to speed up work on revising their defense cooperation guidelines.
The revision, if completed, will be the first of its kind regarding U.S-Japan defense cooperation since 1997.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pushed to ease the constraints of Japan's pacifist constitution on the nation's military.
Ukeru Magosaki, former head of Japan's Intelligence and Analysis Bureau, says Abe is seeking to strengthen defense ties for personal political motives.
"Abe will be praised by the United States and he consider the getting the support from the United States, he can stay longer as the prime minister. So, this is not for the sake of Japanese security, but for the sake of personal reasons of Abe as the prime minister."
