China will take 'forceful' action if incited to war

China will fight back "forcefully" if any country tries to challenge its "bottom line" and drag China into war, a political adviser and former Defense Ministry official said on Tuesday.

Qian Lihua, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks as China faces serious challenges over territorial and maritime disputes.

Some of China's neighbors, including Japan and the Philippines, have acted against China, illegally taking over Chinese islands and stepping up their military presence in a way that targets the country.