Beijing, Dec. 4 (ANI): China has branded the U.S.-Japan security treaty 'a product of the Cold War' after Washington reaffirmed its commitment to Japan over the Senkaku islands dispute.
The amendment noted that while the United States 'takes no position' on the ultimate sovereignty of the disputed territory, it 'acknowledges the administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands'.
"The 'unilateral actions of a third party' will not affect its position," it added.
According to the Japan Times, the legislation passed last week reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Japan under the 'Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security'.
It warns that an armed attack against either party 'in the territories under the administration of Japan' would be met in accordance with its provisions.
The islands in the East China Sea are called Diaoyu in China and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan.
"The Chinese side expresses serious concern and firm opposition to the U.S. Senates's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.
"The Diaoyu islands and affiliated islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times. China has indisputable sovereignty over them," he said.
According to the report, Hong said that the legislation violated Washington's repeated pledge to not take sides in the dispute.
"The U.S.-Japan security treaty is a product of the Cold War and should not go beyond the bilateral scope or undermine the interests of a third party," Hong said.
"We hope the U.S. side will bear in mind the broader interests of peace and stability in the region, honor its words with actions and refrain from sending self-contradictory, wrong signals," he added.
The sovereignty of the islands has been a source of friction for decades, but the row has intensified after the Japanese Government nationalized the islands after buying them from their private owners earlier this year, the report added. (ANI)
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