Tokyo should desist from taking a stance on Diaoyu Islands that could escalate tensions and harm bilateral relations

China has decided to temporarily suspend exchanges with Japan above the provincial and ministerial levels in response to Tokyo's decision on Sunday to extend the illegal detention of the captain of a Chinese fishing boat for another 10 days.

Demanding the immediate and unconditional return of the captain, Zhan Qixiong, China has halted talks with Japan on aviation issues and postponed a meeting to discuss joint exploration for oil and gas.