BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Thursday that any unilateral action taken by Japan on the Diaoyu Islands are "unlawful and invalid."

    China "firmly opposes" such moves, which seriously infringes China's territorial sovereignty, Liu told a regular press conference.

    It is reported that some Japanese members of the Ishigaki assembly in Okinawa Prefecture proposed to enact an ordinance on so-called "Senkaku Day". Senkaku is the name used by Japan on the Diaoyu Islands.

    China expressed severe concern over the act and has stated China's solemn stance to the Japanese side through diplomatic channel, he said.

    Liu reiterated that the Diaoyu and surrounding islands have been a part of the Chinese territory since ancient time. "China holds indisputable historical and lawful evidence" on the issue, he said.

No breakthrough on restarting 6-party talks

    In response to a question on the issue of six-party talks, the spokesman said that no breakthrough had been made on the restart of the talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue during the China visit by the premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). 

    "But China believes relevant talks and exchanges are conducive to the process of the six-party talks," spokesman Liu Jianchao said. 

    The six-party talks also involve the United States, Russia, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

    During DPRK Premier Pak Bong Ju's visit to China, Chinese leaders went in depth in exchanging views with him about the nuclear issue, Liu said.

    China not only reiterated its stance on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, but also briefed Pak on the consultation between China and other countries concerned, Liu said.

    "Pak attached great importance to China's viewpoints, and appreciated China's effort for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and peace and stability in the peninsula," he said.

    The DPRK has not changed its stance on resolving the nuclear issue peacefully through talks, Liu quoted Pak as saying. Pak reiterated that the DPRK does not oppose the six-party talks or has decided to quit the talks.

    "If conditions are mature, the DPRK is willing to attend the six-party talks at any time," Liu rephrased Pak as saying.

    During his visit, Pak, in the name of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il, invited Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit the DPRK, and Hu expressed thankfulness, Liu said.

    "Both China and the DPRK attach great importance to the high-level exchanges between the two countries," said Liu. Enditem