Q: Japan reportedly claims that a Chinese State Oceanic Administration helicopter closely approached and monitored a Japanese destroyer in the East China Sea on March 26, which is extremely "deplorable" as it happened when Japan was battling to recover from the earthquake. The Japanese side has lodged representations to China. How do you comment?

A: China's position on the East China Sea is clear and consistent. From what I learnt, the Chinese helicopter involved was carrying out normal patrol and law enforcement activities and kept necessary safety distance from the Japanese vessel. This issue has nothing to do with the relief efforts in Japan. It has to be pointed out that China and Japan have different prepositions on certain part of the East China Sea. The Japanese side should adopt a responsible attitude on the issue and stop inappropriate doings so as to avoid complicating the situation and affecting the overall bilateral relations.