BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the country is maintaining communication with Japan on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

At a daily pressing briefing, spokesman Hong Lei said China urges Japan to calmly handle the Diaoyu Islands issue and show sincerity in working with China to properly resolve and control the situation.

Hong said China consistently advocates resolving territorial disputes through dialogue and consultation, while the country is determined to protect, and capable of defending, its territorial sovereignty.

The official patrols of Chinese ships in the country's territorial sea area surrounding the Diaoyu Islands are normal and in line with the country's jurisdiction, Hong said, stressing that Japan's so-called "existence on," or "control of," the relevant sea area is illegal and invalid.