A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Monday urged the Japanese government to take seriously China's position on the Diaoyu Islands and listen to the appeal of the Chinese public.

The Diaoyu Island [File photo]

"The Japanese side should not take an attitude of shirking its own responsibility," said spokesman Hong Lei at a press briefing when asked to comment on Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's comments urging China to take steps to halt violence towards Japanese citizens and companies in China.

Chinese people have expressed strong opposition to and indignation at the illegal "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands by the Japanese government, and the Chinese government has clearly expressed its position through various ways, said Hong.

"Whether the Japanese side takes seriously China's position, listens to the just appeal of the Chinese public and adopts correct attitude and actions, will affect the development of the situation," said Hong.

"We once again demand the Japanese side to immediately stop all acts that infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and return to the track of negotiations for the settlement of the controversial issues," the spokesman said.

He also called on the Chinese public to express their appeal in a rational and lawful manner.

On the question of the damage of a vehicle of the Italian Consulate in Guangzhou during Sunday's protest, Hong said relevant departments are investigating the issue.

China has always implemented the obligations stated in relevant international conventions to protect the safety of foreign diplomatic missions, personnel and institutions, Hong added.