China and Japan - who are constantly struggling over territory and economic might - seem to have found another topic to fight about - who's the world's oldest living person.

Earlier this month, a Japanese man was officially declared the world's oldest living person at 115, but China is fielding an alternative candidate for the title after an official news agency repeated claims that a Chinese woman is 127.

Jiroemon Kimura, a former postman who was born on April 19, 1897, was named the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records. He lives in Kyotango and has 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

However, just a few days ago, Chinese media reported that Luo Meizhen claimed to have turned 127 in September. Luo lives in Guangxi region's Bama county, an area famous for the longevity of its residents. Her ID card claims she was born in 1885, but she does not have a birth certificate. She lives with her son, who she says she gave birth to him when she was 61.