China on Thursday asserted its ownership of the Diaoyu islands, after Japan revised textbooks to lay its claim to the territory.

"The Diaoyu and surrounding islands have been parts of the Chinese territory since ancient times. China holds indisputable legal evidence to prove the ownership," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters at a regular press briefing.

"I hope Japan will face up to the solemn and just position of the Chinese side," he said.

Japan completed its annual screening of school textbooks on Wednesday after ordering publishers to state more clearly Tokyo's claim to certain territories including China's Diaoyu islands.

Source: Xinhua