A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday expressed hope of Japan meeting China halfway following new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks on bilateral ties. 

China and Japan are important neighbors, cooperative partners and important countries in the region, spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing, adding that the two countries share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. 

Zhao made the remarks in response to a question on Kishida's remarks on Japan's relations with China in his first policy speech as prime minister earlier in the day. Kishida stressed the importance of building stable relations with China and maintaining dialogue in tackling common issues, while urging China to "behave responsibly." 

Zhao said China and Japan should strengthen dialogue and communication and enhance mutual trust and cooperation, calling for joint efforts to promote healthy and stable development of bilateral ties. 

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(Cover: File photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. /CFP)