by Wu Liming

BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Two Chinese surveillance ship fleets started patrol and law enforcement around Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islets on Friday morning.

The move shows China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands and won applause from the Chinese people.

It is the first time for Chinese surveillance ships to patrol there following the Japanese government's announcement of its so-called "nationalization" of the Diaoyu Islands, and is seen as one of the most recent strong counter-measures China has taken.

It is well-known that the Diaoyu Islands and the affiliated islets have been Chinese territory since ancient times, which is supported by historical facts and jurisprudential evidence.

Japan's decision to "nationalize" the islands is ridiculous. It is an open provocation against China, the rightful owner of the Diaoyu Islands.

It has sparked strong reactions from the Chinese side. Chinese leaders have voiced China's position and concerns on several occasions, and Chinese diplomats have made several representations, demanding Japan correct its wrongdoings by repealing the "purchase."

Moreover, quite a number of domestic civil organizations and overseas Chinese have expressed their anger over Japan's provocation and supported the Chinese government's counter-measures.

Unfortunately, Japan misinterpreted and misjudged China's restraint, declaring it would never repeal the "purchase" and demanding its coast guards "ensure security" of the Diaoyu Islands.

Hence, China's patrolling is a strong counteraction against Japan's provocation, dealing a big blow to the inflated swagger of Japan.

The patrolling is also a just and legitimate action in accordance with Chinese law and international practices.

Earlier this week, the Chinese government announced the base points and baselines of the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islets, as well as the names and coordinates of 17 base points.

According to the Law of the People's Republic of China on Its Territorial Seas and Adjacent Zones, Chinese civil patrol ships and warships have the duty to patrol the waters adjacent to its territory.

In the meantime, the law prohibits foreign warships and vessels from entering the waters around the Diaoyu Islands without permission from the Chinese government.

It must be pointed out that China remains restrained and rational. Quite a few international media have noted that the fact that China sent civil patrol ships instead of warships shows China's restraint.

However, there are signs that Japan would respond with more confrontations. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Friday that Japan "will take all possible measures to ensure security" after China's patrolling.

The Chinese people love peace, but they are never afraid of confrontation or threats. Quite some international observers believe that China would resort to more counteractions if Japan continues to stir up trouble.

Hence, Japan should realize the severity of the issue, redress its wrong-doings and return to the right track. Enditem