(MENAFN) China renewed its stance on a contested island chain on Monday, restating its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Dao/Senkaku Islands as friction with Japan intensifies, particularly in connection with Taiwan. A spokesperson emphasized that “Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been China’s territory since ancient times. China’s sovereignty over Diaoyu Dao is supported by clear history and solid legal basis.”

The landforms—called Diaoyu Dao by Beijing and Senkaku by Tokyo—remain administered by Japan but are firmly claimed by China. The spokesperson insisted that “Ample evidence can be found, including in Japan’s diplomatic archives, maps, and writings of historians,” while characterizing Japan’s assertions as “illegal.”

These remarks were offered in response to questions regarding Japan’s recent decision to add three sets of “records” to its National Museum of Territory and Sovereignty as supposed proof supporting Tokyo’s claims over the islands, according to general reports.

The renewed dispute comes after comments earlier this month by a senior Japanese official, who suggested that a potential Chinese strike on Taiwan could qualify as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, enabling the country to “exercise the right of collective self-defense.”

The statement quickly escalated tensions. China strongly condemned the remarks, and widespread cancellations of planned visits to Japan by Chinese tourists were reported. Japan also stated that Beijing suspended seafood imports and delayed a scheduled trilateral culture ministers’ meeting with South Korea and Japan—moves that Tokyo criticized.

The Japanese official later defended her comments, saying it was her “responsibility” to safeguard national interests through dialogue with China and insisted her earlier statement was offered "sincerely" in response to a specific question about possible emergency scenarios involving Taiwan.

However, China expressed dissatisfaction on Monday, with the spokesperson saying, "Japan prevaricated to downplay the situation while continuing down the wrong path. China would absolutely not accept that. On issues of principle, an evasive attitude will not get the Japanese side anywhere." He urged Tokyo to reassess its approach, adding, "We urge the Japanese side to learn the lessons of history, do soul-searching, take seriously what it has heard from the Chinese side, simply retract the erroneous remarks as it should, and take practical steps to honor its political commitments to China."

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