China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says a 1960 treaty between Japan and the US that covers the Diaoyu Islands is illegal and invalid, and a product of the cold war. Japanese media earlier reported a US claim that the Diaoyu Island and their affiliated islands fall within the scope of the security treaty.

Liu Weimin, Spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "Private deals made between the US and Japan after World War II concerning the Diaoyu Islands are illegal and invalid. The US-Japan Security Treaty is the result of the Cold War and a mutual arrangement between the US and Japan. It should not damage the interests of third parties including China. We hope concerned countries can contribute more to regional peace and stability."

Liu Weimin repeated China’s claim that the Diaoyu Islands have been part of China’s inherent territory since ancient times. He said China holds indisputable sovereignty over the territories. On Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated that the Japanese government was considering buying the Diaoyu Islands. China’s Foreign Ministry responded China will not allow anyone to buy or sell Chinese territory. China’s Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Japan have BOTH lodged complaints over the issue. Liu Weimin says the Chinese government will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands.

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