The U.S. State Department says the U.S. stance on the Diaoyu Islands has not changed.

 

　　State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki says U.S. maintains it is "not taking sides" on the sovereignty dispute.

 

　　"The United States does not take a position on the underlying question of the ultimate sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands. And that remains the U.S. government position."

 

　　Psaki's response comes after earlier comments made by U.S. Senator John McCain.

 

　　The veteran congressman has described the Diaoyu Islands as "Japanese territory" while speaking to reporter in Tokyo.

 

　　John McCain is also on record as calling on those countries feeling increasingly threatened by China's maritime presence to act in closer coordination with each other.

 

　　The Chinese government has since responded.

 

　　Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi is calling on the United States to correctly understand the situation with the Diaoyu Islands.

 

　　He also says the US needs to be cautious with its words and deeds.

 

　　Yang Jiechi has made the comments while meeting with visiting U.S. senators John McCain and Sheldon Whitehouse.

 

　　For his part, John McCain has told Yang Jiechi the United States does not take a position on the sovereignty of the islands.