BEIJING - China on Thursday urged the United States not to take sides on territorial issues, voicing anger against U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who said Diaoyu Islands fall under the scope of the Japan-U.S. security treaty.

"U.S.-Japan alliance arrangement originated in the Cold War. We strongly oppose using this arrangement to undermine the interests of third parties," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

"The U.S. should be prudent in words and deeds, honoring its commitment to not taking sides on territorial issues," she said, adding that the U.S. should do more to contribute to regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite.

Reiterating that Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are part of China's inherent territory, Hua said it is a fact that can never be changed and China's determination to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be shaken.

Carter also expressed concern about China in the South China Sea in a written interview with Japan's Yomiuri newspaper published on Wednesday.

Hua called on the U.S. to respect China's efforts to resolve problems with other claimants through dialogue and negotiation, stop words and actions that might complicate the situation and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.