BEIJING, March 3 -- China on Monday responded to Japan's call to set up a maritime communication mechanism to avoid a military clash in the East China Sea by asking the country to show sincerity and hold pragmatic talks with China on related issues.

"Not long ago, Japan unilaterally stirred up trouble and refused to have sincere and practical dialogue with China, which is the root cause of differences and disputes between the two countries on issues regarding the Diaoyu Islands and the East China Sea," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

His comments came in response to a question about Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who called for the establishment of a maritime defense communication mechanism between the two countries.

"China has a clear stance on the issues of the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands. We believe the two countries should properly manage and control differences through dialogues and consultation," Qin told a routine press briefing.

He urged Japan to respond to China's standpoint with sincerity, face up to history and reality, and carry out concrete dialogue with China on related issues.

In response to another question regarding Japan's plan to create a new 3,000-person amphibious force for island defense, Qin urged the Japanese government to honor its commitment to peaceful development and make positive contributions to regional peace and stability.

"For historical and realistic reasons as well as Japan's recent moves on a series of issues, the international community, especially Japan's neighboring countries, have kept a close watch on Japan's military actions in surrounding areas," he said.