Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Thursday urged the international community and people of insight in Japan to stay alert to forces in Japan seeking to smear China through cultural products and spread anti-China sentiment.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked about Japanese toy company Sanrio's decision to end its collaboration with a Japanese spy drama after strong backlash on Chinese social media.

Guo said the drama once again exposed the existence of such forces in Japan, adding that the matter should raise concern among the international community and people of insight in Japan.