A file photo of the Diaoyu Dao, a group of islands in the East China Sea, September, 2012. /VCG
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao lodged a solemn representation with Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi on Saturday regarding the intrusion of a Japanese civilian aircraft into the airspace over China's Diaoyu Dao.
Wu said the Japanese government had allowed a Japanese civilian aircraft to illegally enter the airspace of the Diaoyu Dao, constituting a severe violation of China's sovereignty, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy in Japan.
China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this action and has already taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law to warn and expel the aircraft. China urges the Japanese side to recognize the seriousness of the situation and take practical measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. Should Japan engage in further provocative actions, China will undoubtedly take firm countermeasures to resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the statement said.
