China
Premier talks tough on Diaoyu Islands
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-05 10:29
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BRUSSELS - Premier Wen Jiabao told Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Monday that the Diaoyu Islands are an inherent part of the Chinese territory, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
"The Diaoyu Islands have been China's territory since ancient times," Wen said on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
He pointed out that it serves the fundamental interests of both countries to protect and advance the relationship between China and Japan.
According to Xinhua, both sides agreed to step up exchanges and intergovernmental communications. The news agency said they will hold a high-level meeting at an appropriate time.
Wen arrived in Brussels to take part in the ASEM after concluding his visit in Greece earlier in the day. He is also scheduled to attend the China-EU summit in Brussels and continue his four-nation visit through Europe that will take him to Italy and Turkey.