President Hu Jintao urged the Japanese government on Sunday to realize the seriousness of the tension over the Diaoyu Islands and stop plans for "nationalization", saying Beijing will not recognize the "purchase" of the islands by the Japanese under any circumstances.
The president made the remarks during a brief meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vladivostok, Russia.
Tokyo is reported to be set to finalize plans to "nationalize" the islands, that belong to China, on Tuesday.
Hu told Noda that China-Japan ties have encountered a grim situation recently due to the Diaoyu Islands.
China's position on the issue has been consistent and clear, he said, adding "any action by Japan to 'buy' the Diaoyu Islands is illegal and invalid and China is firmly against it".
The determination and will of the Chinese government to defend territorial sovereignty is unswerving, the president said.
He urged Japan to "be fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and not make the wrong decision", in order to safeguard overall China-Japan relations.
It is the first encounter between the leaders of the two nations since Noda announced a plan in July to "nationalize" the islands.
The move prompted strong protests from Beijing.
