China's Ministry of National Defense on Sunday called Japan's remarks on the Diaoyu Islands included in the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone "absolutely groundless and unacceptable."

The ministry's spokesman Yang Yujun said that China had explained its policy stance on the issue in various ways following its announcement of the setup of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone on Saturday, and Japan's remarks are "utterly groundless and China won't accept them."

Yang made the remarks while responding to questions concerning the Japanese government saying that it couldn't accept the fact that the zone covered the Diaoyu Islands.

According to Yang, the foreign affairs office under the ministry lodged solemn representations with the Japanese Embassy in China.

Yang reiterated that China's move aims to safeguard the country's state sovereignty and territorial and airspace safety and ensure the order for flight.

Yang said the move is a necessary measure for China to effectively exercise the self-defense right and conforms to the Charter of the United Nations and international laws and practices.

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