China tells Japan to correct mistake after official's Taiwan remark

China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called for Japan to issue a clarification and correction after a senior official called the Taiwan region a "country."

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the remark, made by Japan's Deputy Defense Minister Yasuhide Nakayama, was erroneous and a serious violation of the principles of the four political documents including the China-Japan Joint Declaration.

He added that the comment breached the promise, repeatedly made by the Japanese side, of "not regarding Taiwan as a country.”

"China demands Japan immediately issues clarifications to ensure that such a thing will not reoccur," Wang said.

The spokesperson added that the Taiwan question concerns the political foundation of China-Japan ties and the basic credibility between the two countries as well as the international rule of law and justice.

"China seriously urges the Japanese side to earnestly keep its promises on the Taiwan question, to exercise caution in words and deeds, to not damage China's sovereignty in any way and to refrain from sending wrong signals to the 'Taiwan independence' forces," Wang said.

(With input from Xinhua)