More than 40 percent of respondents in a survey by Japan's Foreign Ministry say the country should step up sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the situation in Ukraine.

The ministry conducted the telephone survey from March 17 to 22. One thousand people aged 18 or older responded.

The participants were asked about the measures Japan should focus on in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Improving coordination with the international community, including the Group of Seven nations, was chosen by 64.6 percent, promoting the acceptance of refugees from Ukraine by 63.7 percent, and stepped up sanctions against Russia and Belarus by 41.6 percent.

The survey also asked about Japan's relations with China. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Asked about the areas Japan should put priority on, 61.6 percent said taking a strong stance on intrusions into Japanese territorial waters. Twenty-eight percent said promoting economic cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Asked if they think the security environment surrounding the East Asian region is becoming increasingly severe, 59 percent of the respondents said yes and 29 percent agreed to some extent, bringing the total to nearly 90 percent.