China has defended its scientific exploration in Okinotori waters, saying that it was conducted in international, not Japanese waters, in Beijing Thursday at a regular press conference.

The Japanese government on Wednesday said a Chinese survey vessel was found carrying out research in its exclusive economic zone near Okinotori, an uninhabited reef 1,740 km south of Tokyo.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue told reporters that China and Japan have different opinions over the nature of the waters in question. "The Chinese vessel was carrying out normal scientific exploration on the high seas," she said, adding that China hopes Japan will stay coolheaded and deal with the matter in a prudent manner.

China and Japan are dealing with the issue through diplomatic channels, she said.

Source: Xinhua