Beijing: China on Monday reiterated its claims on the disputed islets of Diaoyu Dao, also known as the Senkaku Islands, amid its ongoing tensions with Japan over Taiwan. "Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been China's territory since ancient times. China's sovereignty over Diaoyu Dao is supported by clear history and solid legal basis," stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.

According to Anadolu Agency, the islets, referred to as Diaoyu Dao by China and Senkaku Islands by Japan, are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. Lin emphasized that "ample evidence can be found, including in Japan's diplomatic archives, maps, and writings of historians," describing Japan's claims on the islets as "illegal."

Lin's comments were in response to Japan's addition of three sets of "records" in its National Museum of Territory and Sovereignty in Tokyo, which Japan uses to support its claims over the disputed islets. This information was detailed in an official transcript of the press conference released by Beijing.

Beijing's statement follows remarks by Japanese official Takaichi on November 7, suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could legally constitute a "survival-threatening situation," potentially allowing Japan to "exercise the right of collective self-defense." These comments have heightened tensions between the two countries.

China sharply criticized Takaichi's comments, and reports indicated that hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists canceled trips to Japan. Furthermore, Tokyo stated that Beijing halted Japanese seafood imports and postponed a planned trilateral culture ministers' meeting with Japan and South Korea, a move that Japan criticized.

Recently, Takaichi stated that it is her "responsibility" to protect and maximize Japan's national interests by maintaining good relations with China through dialogue. She clarified that her previous remarks were made in response "sincerely" to a specific question about Japan's possible response in the event of an emergency involving Taiwan.

However, Lin responded by stating that "Japan prevaricated to downplay the situation while continuing down the wrong path. China would absolutely not accept that. On issues of principle, an evasive attitude will not get the Japanese side anywhere."

"We urge the Japanese side to learn the lessons of history, do soul-searching, take seriously what it has heard from the Chinese side, simply retract the erroneous remarks as it should, and take practical steps to honor its political commitments to China," Lin added.