China says it hopes Japan will work with it in same direction after Takaichi elected PM

China hopes Japan will work with it in the same direction, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, after Sanae Takaichi was officially elected as Japan's prime minister earlier in the day.

"We have noted the election results, which are Japan's internal affairs," Guo said when asked to comment at a regular press briefing.

Guo noted that, as close neighbors, China's position on China-Japan relations remains consistent and clear.

"We hope that Japan will work with China in the same direction, uphold the principles of the four political documents between the two countries, honor its political commitment on major questions such as history and Taiwan, maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations, and advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way," Guo added.

Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, became the country's first female prime minister after winning votes in both houses of parliament on Tuesday.