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China repeats claim over disputed isles+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)BEIJING, March 30_(Kyodo) _ China on Thursday repeated its claim over disputed isles in the East China Sea, a day after Japan's education ministry said it urged Japanese textbooks to clarify them as Japanese territory in its annual textbook screening. "The Diaoyu Islands have been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press briefing, referring to the territory known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. "China has indisputable legal basis" for its stance and hopes "Japan will squarely face China's solemn position," Qin said. The disputed archipelago is administered by the Japanese government but also claimed by China and Taiwan. The Japanese education ministry said Wednesday that it sought clarification in history and geography textbooks that the isles are part of Japan's territory during its annual screening process. Qin did not give a direct answer when asked whether the Chinese government will lodge a complaint with the Japanese government, only saying, "China has consistently said that this problem should be solved through appropriate means." |