BEIJING, June 27 -- China on Friday denied softening its stance on Japan despite receiving visits from several Japanese groups.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks when responding to a question regarding a report in Japan's Sankei Shimbun newspaper that China's receiving of Japanese delegations shows the softening of its policies toward Japan.

"This newspaper's reports are always based on political requirements instead of facts," Qin said, accusing it of lacking credibility.

China has a consistent and clear stance on Japan relations, according to Qin.

"We seriously urge the Japanese side to properly settle issues regarding history and the Diaoyu Islands in accordance with the principles of the four China-Japan political documents and the consensus reached between the two countries," he added.

China calls for Japanese efforts to eliminate political barriers for the development of bilateral ties, and "we welcome people with vision in Japan to play a positive role in improving China-Japan relations," the spokesman said.

Japanese Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Akihiro Ota, the leader of Japan's Social Democratic Party Tadatomo Yoshida, and former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama were among the Japanese delegations that visited China in recent days.

Responding to another question regarding the Japanese government's submission to the ruling bloc of a final draft decision on lifting its ban on collective self-defense, Qin said China is highly cautious and concerned about any move by Japan in military and security fields due to historical and realistic reasons.

"We will express opposition if Japan's actions harm regional peace, security and stability," he added.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet expects to approve the draft decision as early as July 1.