China Opposes Japan's Interference with Survey Ship, Lodges Diplomatic Protest on July 7

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on July 7, Japan's Coast Guard reported on July 3 that a Chinese survey ship entered the exclusive economic zone near Kumejima in southwestern Okinawa Prefecture and deployed cable-like objects, prompting Japan to request the ship halt its activities via radio.

Mao Ning stated that the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, and Chinese survey operations in waters around the Diaoyu Islands fall within China's sovereign rights and are lawful and beyond reproach. China firmly opposes Japan's interference with the survey ship's legitimate activities and has lodged stern representations with Japan.