China on Thursday said that the prior notification mechanism set up by China and Japan for ocean surveying was aimed at enhancing mutual trust and should not affect their respective stances on issues concerning the laws of the sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu made the remarks in a regular briefing when asked to comment on China's recent scientific surveying activity in the waters adjacent to the Diaoyu Islands.

Jiang said China was just exercising its legitimate right for sovereignty when its vessel conducted a marine survey.

The prior notification mechanism, which is a self-determined measure, has nothing to do with the survey activity in the waters adjacent to Diaoyu Islands, Jiang added.

Source: Xinhua