China says its armed forces have the confidence and capability to defend the Diaoyu Islands, which sit at the center of a heated territorial dispute with Japan.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remarks concerning China’s sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands on Thursday in light of escalating tensions between the two nations.

Geng said that China’s territorial rights over the islands, which are known as Senkaku in Japan, are not a matter of discussion. He added that the People’s Liberation Army of China can defend its rights over the islands.

The spokesman also confirmed China’s recent missile test as part of its efforts to protect the islands from Japan.