BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday that any plot to occupy Chinese territory by drawing support from external forces is doomed to fail.

Speaking at a press conference in the wake of media reports that Japan and the United States have started mapping out joint operational plans over the Diaoyu Islands, Yang Yujun said the military has confidence in its ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The spokesman added that it is easy for the international community to identify which country is currently repeatedly creating trouble and undermining regional peace and stability.