BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday that the recent widespread anti-Japan protests reflect Chinese public's firm resolution to safeguard sovereignty.

Spokesman Hong Lei urged the Japanese government to listen to the Chinese people's strong appeals.

"The recent anti-Japan demonstrations are purely caused by the illegal "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands by the Japanese government," said Hong. "They reflect Chinese people's strong appeals on protesting Japan's acts that undermine China's territorial sovereignty and promoting justice."

The Japanese government should hear the firm resolution of the Chinese people from the demonstrations, said Hong when asked to comment on Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's remarks asking China to compensate Japanese enterprises for their loss during the protests.

Hong said the Chinese government will protect the safety of foreign diplomatic missions, personnel and institutions in accordance with law, adding that relevant cases will be properly handled.

On the Chinese fishing boats' entry into the waters near the Diaoyu Islands, Hong said the surrounding waters of the islands are under the administration of China and they have been fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen for generations.

The fishing activities by Chinese fishermen there "are absolutely reasonable," said the spokesman.

He again urged the Japanese side to immediately stop all acts that infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and return to negotiations for settlement of the issue.

China also demanded the US to honor its commitment of not taking sides on the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands and maintain neutrality, Hong added.