China hopes for progress in Japan ties

China has endorsed the positive signals sent by Japan's new cabinet and its new foreign minister about their willingness to stabilize and develop bilateral relations.

In a phone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and Japan are close neighbors, and mutually beneficial cooperation and common development "are in the fundamental interest of the two peoples".

Wang said he hopes Japan's new cabinet will develop a fresh outlook and "China-Japan relations will see new developments".

The two sides should learn from history, bear in mind the original aspiration, expand cooperation, eliminate disturbances, advance China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relations in a comprehensive manner, and build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, Wang said.

Iwaya said the new cabinet is willing to vigorously advance the Japan-China comprehensive, strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, and is committed to building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.

Japan and China have great potential for cooperation in various fields, and Japan is willing to strengthen communication at various levels and resolve unsettled issues through consultation, in order to bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries, he added.

During their phone conversation, Wang emphasized that Beijing's policy toward Tokyo "has always maintained stability and continuity". It is hoped that the Japanese side will fully honor its political commitments on the Taiwan question and unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle, he said.

Japan should set up an objective, rational, positive and friendly perception of China, and translate into practical actions the important consensuses reached by the two sides, such as treating each other as partners and not posing a threat to one another, he said.

With regard to the volatile international situation, Wang said the region's overall peace and stability is hard-won and should be cherished. "In particular, it is important to prevent external forces from inciting trouble and stirring up regional confrontation," he added.

Iwaya said that both Japan and China bear key responsibilities in ensuring peace and stability in Asia and the world. In the face of the turbulent international situation, Japan's new cabinet is committed to promoting diplomacy of dialogue and coordination, he said.

The new cabinet is willing to join hands with China to strengthen cooperation and make greater contributions to advancing regional peace and stability and addressing global challenges, Iwaya added.