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INTRO
Now the latest on the territorial dispute between China and Japan, over a group of islands in the East China Sea.
China says it's on high alert for any move by Japan to prevent its patrols around the Diaoyu Islands, after Tokyo suggested it would interrupt Chinese ships and planes in the area.
On Wednesday, one of China's most senior political advisors, Jia Qinglin, also called for negotiations, when meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, in China.
Tension is escalating between China and Japan in their territorial standoff over this group of islands, in the East China sea.
Patrols and surveillance by both countries are increasing around the Diaoyu island chain, which China sees as its territory since ancient times.
On Wednesday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated opposition to Japanese planes and vessels entering the islands' waters and airspace.
Hong Lei says Japan's plans to handle Chinese jets entering the island's airspace with international law, contravenes China's territorial rights:
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) HONG LEI, Foreign Ministry Spokesman:
"China's public service ships and planes are conducting a normal duty in exercising China's jurisdiction. We oppose Japanese planes and vessels entering the waters and airspace of the Diaoyu Islands. We are on high alert for Japan escalating tensions over the Diaoyu Islands."
Back on land... senior political advisor, Jia Qinglin, called for talks to solve the dispute when meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Wednesday, now on a personal visit to China.
Jia said the issue should be solved as soon as possible, to safeguard the two countries' relationship - worth $275 billion U.S. dollars in trade last year - falling more than 2 percent, from 2011.
China and Japan are locked in a prolonged dispute over the Diaoyu island chain.
Bilateral ties have soured since last September, when the Japanese government announced plans to "nationalize" part of the islands.
Tokyo's attempt to "buy" the islands off a private owner, sparked stern warnings from Beijing and widespread anti-Japan protests across China.
Now, while calling for dialogue, China is also planning to survey the islands as part of a program to map its territorial islands and reefs.
