CCTV News: On the afternoon of February 14, Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, released a message on recent military issues.
Reporter: It is reported that during the call between the Japanese Defense Minister and the US Defense Minister, the US side confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan Security Treaty applies to the Diaoyu Islands. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. No matter what the United States and Japan say or do, this fact cannot be changed, and it cannot shake China's determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US-Japan Security Treaty is a product of the Cold War. The US-Japan military security cooperation must not be targeted at third countries, nor should it endanger regional development. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. I hope that Japan will learn from historical lessons, reflect its determination to follow the path of peaceful development with practical actions, and do more things that are conducive to enhancing mutual trust among countries and regional peace and stability.
