A picture exhibition on the history and sovereignty of Diaoyu Islands began on Friday in Quanzhou, Fujian Province in east China.

The display contains more than 200 file photos as well as many legal documents on Diaoyu Islands, carrying themes including "Diaoyu Islands, China's inherent territory since ancient times," "How did Japan steal Diaoyu Islands" and "Looming disputes over Diaoyu Islands."

The exhibition, sponsored by the State Oceanic Administration (SOA), is part of a series of commemoration events to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and will last till Aug. 29.

The SOA will also launch displays on Diaoyu Islands later in cities such as Beijing, Qingdao and Wenzhou.