At a regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China held on June 28, 2012, Geng Yansheng, spokesman of the MND, said the maritime liaison mechanism between the defense departments of China and Japan can help to avoid maritime misunderstanding and misjudgment.
When talking about the 3rd round of the expert-team consultation on the maritime liaison mechanism between the defense departments of China and Japan now being held in Beijing, Geng Yansheng said the two sides is holding discussion on such issues as the composition structure and the operation mode of the maritime liaison mechanism during this consultation. The Chinese side holds that the establishment of such a mechanism can help to avoid maritime misunderstanding and misjudgment, enhance mutual trust in defense and security aspect between the two countries and promote the development of the mutually-beneficial strategic relationship between the two countries. The consultation is currently underway and its specific circumstances and results will be released when appropriate.
When answering a question about Japan’s consideration of stationing its military troops near the Diaoyu Island, Geng Yansheng said the Diaoyu Island and its surrounding islands are China’s inalienable territories since ancient times and China has indisputable sovereignty over these islands. Anyone who dreams to change the fact by any means is futile.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , June 29, 2012