US-Japan security treaty should not cover Chinese territory: Chinese envoy

The US-Japan security treaty is a bilateral arrangement and should not cover Chinese territory, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai said on Friday.

The US-Japan alliance "should not affect the interests of a third country," Cui said at the John F. Kennedy School of Government of the Harvard University.

"Our positions are quite clear. The Diaoyu Islands are Chinese territory," the Chinese envoy told Harvard students in response to a question on the territorial disputes between China and Japan over a chain of islands in the East China Sea.

US President Barack Obama assured Japan during a visit to the country on Thursday that Washington was committed to its defense, applying the US-Japan security treaty to the disputed Diaoyu Islands. China has expressed grave concerns over the statement.

Pointing out that the US-Japan alliance originated in the Cold-War years, Cui said, "Is it really up-to-date? Or is it appropriate for the challenges of the 21st century? I don't think such alliance will help us."

Cui said while Washington tells Beijing that it is taking no position on the issue of Diaoyu Islands, "it seems to me that it does take some sides, and probably take the wrong side."

The convergence of interests, Cui said, helps build the bonds between China and other Asia-Pacific countries, which "are stronger, longer-lasting and more resilient than those of old-fashioned alliances."

"In this sense, there is no need for us to pivot or rebalance in Asia-Pacific, because this is our homeland. Our roots are here, and our priority never shifts," he said.

Cui added that the new model of China-US relationship is seeking to build aims at win-win cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and requires "positive energy" from both sides.

"It is not about playing with words. Serious commitments have to be made and honored by both sides," the ambassador said.

Cui said China recognizes US presence and interests in the Asia-Pacific region and welcomes the constructive role by the United States in regional affairs.

"We hope that the United States will join the regional quest for 21st century solutions for the challenges before us, so that Asia-Pacific will enjoy lasting peace and widespread prosperity," he said.