BEIJING, Sept. 11 -- China on Thursday urged Japan to stop all action that undermines China's sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was referring to the Japanese government's unilateral move to "nationalize" part of the Diaoyu Islands two years ago.

Hua said that the Diaoyu Islands are Chinese territory, and the Chinese government has confidence and ability to defend national territorial sovereignty.

Hua said China hopes the Japanese side will take practical action to improve bilateral relations.

China patrols waters around the islands on a regular basis. According to a statement by State Oceanic Administration, the China Coast Guard (CCG) last patrolled waters around the Diaoyu Islands on Wednesday.