China says Japan tarnishing its image

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Thursday accused Japan of creating tension and tarnishing China's image.

Japan's efforts to ratchet up tension run against efforts to improve Sino-Japanese ties, spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Hua's comments came in response to Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera's allegation that China's recent use of fire-control radar to lock onto a Japanese fleet in the East China Sea amounted to a "threat of force".

"Now it is not a matter of China displaying its strength, but Japanese vessels and planes' continuous illegal activities in China's territorial waters and airspace," she said.

Hua said Chinese authorities are verifying and investigating the incident.

"I want to point out that China has not changed its stance of developing relations on the basis of principles enshrined in the four bilateral political documents," she said.

Hua reiterated that China wishes to solve and manage problems through talks.

"China hopes Japan can face up to reality and history and make concerted efforts with China," she said.

Hua said China has always acted to maintain peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region, calling on relevant parties to work with China to protect the overall regional situation.

Relations between Japan and China have soured since the Japanese government said it would "purchase" part of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea in 2012. China insists that the islands are part of its inherent territory.