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China on Monday said it will take all necessary punitive measures against Keiji Furuya as the situation warrants.

Photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a question regarding China's decision to impose countermeasures on Furuya, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet of Japan.

Mao said that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests and is a red line that must not be crossed. China has raised solemn representations with the Japanese side over Furuya's visit to China's Taiwan region.

Despite China's repeated and firm opposition following erroneous remarks by the Japanese leader on issues related to the Taiwan question, Furuya has continued to engage with "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and deliberately stir up conflict. His actions have seriously interfered in China's internal affairs and severely infringed upon China's sovereignty and core interests.

In response to his egregious conduct, China has announced countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's Republic of China to impose sanctions and serve as a warning to others, Mao said.

China will, depending on the situation, take all necessary punitive measures, she added.

(Compiled by Fan Liuyi and intern Zhou Jiayu; Video produced by intern Zhou Yishuang)