Wang Yi hopes Japan can ensure development of bilateral ties along right tack

China hopes that Japan will work with China to ensure the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations along the right track, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks during a phone call with Takeshi Iwaya, Japan's new foreign minister.

Wang said that China appreciates the positive signals released by the new Japanese Cabinet and Foreign Minister Iwaya since he assumed office, that the two countries are willing to stabilize and develop their relations.

Stressing China and Japan are close neighbors, Wang said that mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

The two sides should learn from history, not forgetting the original intention, expand cooperation, eliminate interference, comprehensively promote the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, and build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship that meets the demands of the new era, he added.

Noting China's policy toward Japan has maintained stability and continuity, Wang voiced the hope that the Japanese side will abide by its political commitment on the Taiwan question, adhere to the one-China principle and establish an objective, rational, positive and friendly perception of China.

The top Chinese diplomat also called for putting the important consensus that the two sides are cooperative partners and do not pose a threat to each other into practical actions.

In the face of the chaotic international situation, the overall peace and stability in the region is hard-won and should be treasured, Wang pointed out, adding the two sides should prevent external forces from stirring up confrontation in the region.

Iwaya said that the new Japanese Cabinet is willing to vigorously promote the Japan-China comprehensive strategic and mutually beneficial relationship 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 with China at all levels, resolve outstanding issues through consultation, and bring more benefits to the people of both countries, he added.

Highlighting that Japan and China bear important responsibilities for peace and stability in Asia and the world, Iwaya said the new Japanese Cabinet is ready to work with China to make greater contributions to promoting regional peace and stability and addressing global challenges.