Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Friday summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa, and lodged solemn representation and protest against Japan's illegal seizure of a Chinese fishing boat in waters off the Diaoyu Islands.

According to a press release from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yang told Uichiro Niwa that the Chinese government's determination to defend the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands and the interests of Chinese people was unswerving.

Yang said China demanded Japan immediately and unconditionally release the boat and all the crew, including the captain.

Two Japanese patrol boats collided with a Chinese fishing boat in waters off the Diaoyu Islands Tuesday.

No injuries were reported from the collision, but the fishing boat was intercepted by Japanese patrol boats.