BEIJING - China has asked Japan to have a clear picture of the situation, correct its mistake and handle the problem between the two countries properly, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun said Friday.

China and Japan have maintained contact and consultations on the issue of Diaoyu Islands through various channels and in different forms, Zhang told reporters at a press briefing.

The two sides started vice foreign ministerial-level consultations on Diaoyu Islands in Beijing on September 25, Zhang said.

In the contact and consultations at all levels, China has stated its government's solemn position on the issue and strong determination to safeguard territorial integrity, Zhang said.

"China has urged Japan to have a correct reading of the situation, abandon any illusion and face up to reality," Zhang said.

"Japan should correct its mistake with credible steps and make real efforts so that the current problem will be handled properly, " he said.