BEIJING, Jan. 13 -- China has warned Japan against taking any provocative actions on the issue of Diaoyu islands or to face the consequences.

"China has every right to navigate and patrol in its territorial waters near Diaoyu Island," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a regular press conference Wednesday.

He was responding to a question concerning Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga's comment on the issue Tuesday.

"We call on Japan not to take any provocations or actions that may escalate tensions, or to face the full consequences," Hong said.