BEIJING -- The Chinese government hopes Japan can be more helpful in improving and developing bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Thursday.

Related readings: Wartime labor compensation may not stand China's trade with Japan hits US$207B in 2006 Leaders resume three-way talks Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul vow to promote political trust Wen set to visit Japan this spring Hu calls for better Sino-Japanese ties China calls for sound development of Sino-Japanese ties Fuel surcharges drop on China-Japan routes China, Japan end first joint study session on history China, Japan meet over soured history

Liu made the remarks when asked to comment on Japan's upgrade of its Defense Agency to a full ministry and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's lobbying for the European Union (EU) to retain an arms embargo on China.

Liu said Japan's recent military measures and moves had caused undeniable concern among its neighbors, including China.

For historical reasons, China and other Asian nations had always been concerned about Japan's military actions.

"We hope Japan can adhere to the path of peaceful development in compliance with Japan's own fundamental interests, and for the benefit of regional peace, stability and development," he said.

Liu said the EU arms embargo was a matter between China and EU, and was totally irrelevant to Japan.

Lifting the embargo would pose no threat to Japan and China was strongly dissatisfied with Japan's position.

China hoped Japan could do more that was conducive to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations instead of making trouble for relations, he said.