BEIJING - The fact that the Diaoyu Islands belong to China will not change, no matter what Japan says or does, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Tuesday.

Geng made the remarks at a routine news briefing when asked for comments on the Japanese Education Ministry's decision to add "the Diaoyu Islands are 'inherent' parts of Japan's territory" in its new teaching guidelines for senior high schools.

"Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have always been an inherent part of Chinese territory," said Geng, adding that no matter what Japan says or does, it cannot change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands belong to China and cannot shake China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

China urges Japan to face up to history and reality and to educate younger generations with a correct historical view to avoid making new trouble for China-Japan relations, Geng said.