BEIJING - China on Tuesday urged Japan to take concrete actions so as to make progress with the negotiations over the Diaoyu Islands.

Spokesman Hong Lei with the Foreign Ministry made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on reports of a planned joint military drill near the Okinawa between Japan and the United States. Reports said the drill may include a mission of simulating "retaking an island".

Hong expressed the hope that Japan will demonstrate sincerity and take concrete actions to correct its wrong deeds, and extend great efforts to make progress with negotiations over the Diaoyu Islands between the two countries.

He said that keeping the Asia-Pacific region peaceful, stable and prosperous is in line with all parties' common interests.

Hong said that purposely highlighting military security agenda and intensifying an already tense situation are not conducive to promoting mutual trust in security and run against the trend of peace, development and cooperation of the times.

"We will pay close attention to related moves, and we reserve the right to further react," Hong said.