BEIJING -- A Chinese military spokesperson said on Thursday that Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, and it is lawful and justified for the Chinese coast guard to patrol and conduct law enforcement in relevant waters to safeguard China's maritime rights and interests.

This leaves no opening for anyone to covet China's territory, and the relevant party should not make a fuss about this, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference.

Zhang made the remarks in response to a query regarding Japanese media reports on the China Coast Guard's patrols around Diaoyu Island.

"We urge Japan to act and speak with caution and refrain from taking any moves that may escalate the situation. Otherwise, it will lift a rock only to drop it on its own feet," Zhang said.