China reafirms will to safeguard islands' sovereignty

BEIJING - Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Thursday that no outside pressure can shake the will and determination of the Chinese government and its people in defending national territorial sovereignty.

Hong made the comment in response to media reports that Japan and the United States have started mapping out joint operational plans over the Diaoyu Islands and the entire East China Sea.

"China is gravely concerned with relevant media reports," said Hong, reiterating that the Diaoyu Islands are China's inherent territory.

The Chinese government has the resolution and capability to safeguard national territorial sovereignty, said the spokesman.