By Francesca Infante PUBLISHED: 04:42 EST, 25 November 2013 | UPDATED: 08:46 EST, 25 November 2013 China's Foreign Ministry says it has complained to the United States over its 'irresponsible remarks' about the territorial dispute with Japan over islands in the East China Sea. China's Defense Ministry also called Japan's objections to its East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone 'absolutely groundless and unacceptable', and said it had made solemn representations to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. But the remarks come as the latest in a continuing war of words over the air space of the disputed Senkaku islands, which has seen Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe brand China's plans unenforceable and dangerous.
@highlight
China issued a set of rules on Saturday which say all aircraft must notify them and are subject to emergency military measures if they do not
@highlight
But Japanese premier Shinzo Abe said the measures violate the freedom to fly above open sea, a general principle under the international law
@highlight
And on Saturday US Secretary of State John Kennedy said America is is 'deeply concerned' about China's action
Along with a rise in its economic and military power in recent years, @placeholder has become more assertive over its maritime claims.