Chinese ambassador says efforts by Tokyo to 'encircle' China are utterly wrong from outset

Tokyo must not "flare up tension in the South China Sea" or try to contain China by aligning with other countries involved in disputes there, the Chinese ambassador to Japan told China Daily.

Veteran diplomat and political adviser Cheng Yonghua, 61, made the remarks when asked about Japan's recent high-profile stance on maritime issues and its support for joint patrols in the South China Sea.