Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday urged Japan to release the illegally detained Chinese skipper "immediately and unconditionally."
"Otherwise, China will take further actions," Wen said when meeting with some Chinese nationals and Chinese Americans in the United States.
Wen, who arrived here Tuesday for a three-day visit, said the China-Japan relations have enjoyed improvements and developments with the efforts of both sides for many years.
"The Japanese side bears full responsibility for the current situation,and it shall bear all the consequences that arise," Wen said.
Wen demanded Japan swiftly correct its mistakes to bring the bilateral ties back to the track, a move that will be not only conducive to the bilateral ties, but also to world's peace, cooperation and development.