China calls for Japanese progress in upcoming talks

A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday called on Japan to sincerely correct its mistakes and take concrete action while contributing to upcoming bilateral vice ministerial-level talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the statement at a regular press briefing. China and Japan launched the first round of vice ministerial-level talks on the Diaoyu Islands issue on Sept. 25, Hong said, adding that China reiterated its stance on the Diaoyu Islands in the talks while demanding that Japan admit and correct its mistakes. Hong said the two sides will convene a new round of vice ministerial-level talks in the near future. A dialogue on the Diaoyu Islands was recently held in Japan between Asian affairs directors from both foreign ministries, Hong said, adding that the dialogue was intended to help prepare for the upcoming talks. China has always advocated solving territorial disputes through dialogue and negotiation, Hong said. Hong said China has taken steps to safeguard its territorial integrity and urged the Japanese side to admit the dispute exists, correct its mistakes and return to negotiations.