BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Friday urged the Japanese government to "face reality" in Sino-Japanese relations.

Spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing that Japan single-handedly pushed Sino-Japanese relations into a difficult situation.

According to media reports, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday claimed that China has deliberately targeted Japanese companies as part of a strategy to confront Japan over the countries' territorial dispute.

Hong said the Japanese side should show sincerity, face reality and work with China to properly resolve relevant problems.

Related:

Military jets on 'routine flights' over E. China Sea

China monitoring Japan's encroachment on Diaoyu

China responds to Japan's defense spending boost

China doesn't accept Japan's Diaoyu protests: FM