China has indisputable sovereign rights over the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing Thursday.

Qin said the Diaoyu Islands and adjacent islets have been an inalienable part of China's territory since ancient times.

Qin made the remarks in response to a question about Japan's latest claim over the islands.

Japanese Foreign Minister Okada Katsuya said on Tuesday that Japan had sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands. Okada made the comment when asked about China's move to implement the Law on Island Protection that lists the Diaoyu Islands among the subjects of protection.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2010)