China on Tuesday urged Japan to respond to the international community's concern over its excessive nuclear stockpiles as soon as possible.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the appeal in response to a question regarding International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano's comments saying the agency could ensure Japan's nuclear material is for peaceful use.

Qin said China has taken note of the IAEA chief's comments, but the statement had failed to reassure and has raised doubts and concerns among the international community.

"Has Japan kept an excessive amount of sensitive nuclear material that is beyond its actual needs? Does one need so much sensitive nuclear material for peaceful use?" Qin asked, urging Japan to face up to the issue and give explanations as soon as possible.

Xinhua