TOKYO - Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua on Tuesday refuted Japan's protest over the patrol of Chinese marine surveillance vessels in waters off the Diaoyu Islands, according to the Chinese embassy in Japan.

Cheng emphasized that the Diaoyu Islands are China's inherent territory as well as the surrounding waters.

The ambassador made the remark in a meeting with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki and said Chinese marine surveillance vessels are conducting regular patrol in Chinese territorial waters and China rejects Japanese protest over the issue.

Cheng also requires Japan not to interfere the regular patrol by Chinese vessels.

Two Chinese marine surveillance ships continued regular patrols in the territorial waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands on Monday, according to China's State Oceanic Administration.