China denounces Japanese civilian aircraft's incursion into Diaoyu Dao airspace

BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday condemned the illegal entry of a Japanese civilian aircraft into the airspace over Diaoyu Dao, reiterating that this territory is an inherent part of China and warning Japan to stop provocative actions that could destabilize bilateral relations.

In response to questions from the media, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, rejected claims by the Japanese side that a Chinese ship-borne helicopter had violated Japanese airspace, calling the accusation "irresponsible" and a distortion of facts.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory," Zhang said. "The Japanese civilian aircraft's unauthorized entry into Chinese airspace over Diaoyu Dao constituted a serious infringement of China's territorial sovereignty."

According to Zhang, the China Coast Guard took necessary control measures to warn and expel the Japanese aircraft -- actions which he said were entirely legitimate and lawful.

Zhang urged Japan to strictly restrain its nationals and avoid further complicating the situation in the airspace and waters around these islands. He also called on Japan to refrain from actions that could "create instability and insecurity, and harm the broader development of China-Japan relations."

"China will continue to take effective measures to firmly safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," he added. ■