Beijing delivered a strong protest after Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida defined a Chinese territorial area adjacent to India as Indian territory.

"We hope Japan fully understands the sensitivity of the China-India boundary question," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in Beijing on Monday.

Kishida attracted media attention after referring to a southern area of China's Tibet autonomous region as Indian territory in a speech in New Delhi.

Beijing has taken notice of the report, expressed serious concerns, demanded Japan make a clarification and immediately manage damage control, according to the spokesman.

Hong Lei confirmed that Tokyo clearly stated its position of "no taking sides in regard to the areas disputed by China and India" and told Beijing it will not get involved in the issue.

Tokyo has made a relevant clarification publicly, Hong added.

Beijing urges Tokyo to "pay due respect to efforts made by China and India in resolving disputes through negotiations" and "be cautious with words and actions when it comes to the issue", Hong said.

On the China-India boundary question, the spokesman said China's position regarding the eastern section of the China-India boundary is consistent and clear.

The two countries are "seeking a fair, reasonable solution that will be acceptable to both sides" through a special representatives meeting mechanism, Hong said.