The Chinese government expressed "strong protest" against Japan over illegal detention of a Chinese trawler and fishermen, according to a statement of China's Foreign Ministry issued early Saturday morning.

On Sept. 7, 2010, the Japanese side illegally detained 15 Chinese fishermen and the trawler in waters off the Diaoyu Islands and held Zhan Qixiong, the captain, through to Sept. 24

"Such an act seriously infringed upon China's territorial sovereignty and violated the human rights of Chinese citizens," the statement said.

The Diaoyu Islands and surrounding islets have been China's inherent territory since the ancient time and China possesses undisputable sovereignty over the islands, the statement said.

"Japan's detention, investigation or any form of judiciary measures for the Chinese trawler and fishermen are unlawful and invalid," the statement said.

The Japanese side must make apology and compensation for the incident, it said.

"China and Japan are two close neighbors. It is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples to adhere to the development of Sino-Japanese strategic relations of mutual benefits," the statement said.

The two sides should resolve the problems of Sino-Japanese relationship through dialogue and consultation so as to maintain the overall situation of the bilateral relations, the statement said.

"The stance of the Chinese side has not and will not change," the statement added.