Japanese media reported that a delegation from Heilongjiang Province visited disputed areas between Japan and Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded.

China News Service, Beijing, October 14 (Reporter Li Jingze) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference on the 14th.

A reporter from the Japanese media asked: According to reports, Russia announced that a Chinese delegation from Heilongjiang visited the disputed islands between Russia and Japan yesterday (Russia calls them the "Southern Kuril Islands" and Japan calls them the "Four Northern Islands"). What is China's comment on this?

Mao Ning: The Heilongjiang Provincial delegation recently visited Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of Russia's Sakhalin Oblast, the province's sister province, to carry out friendly exchange activities with the local area. I will not comment on the commercial activities carried out by private enterprises during the visit.

Another reporter asked: Regarding the visit of a Chinese delegation from Heilongjiang to islands controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan, Japan’s Foreign Minister said today that it is absolutely unacceptable for a third country to enter and carry out activities on these islands. He said that Japan had made its position clear to China through diplomatic channels yesterday. What is China’s response to Japan’s statement?

Mao Ning: I have just introduced the visit of the Heilongjiang Provincial delegation. China has always maintained that the victorious results of the World Anti-Fascist War should be respected and maintained. (over)