A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, concerned that the current state of Japan-China relations serves neither side's interests, is reportedly set to visit China next week. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that China has taken note of the deep concern expressed by some "insightful figures" in Japan's ruling and opposition parties. Lin called on the Japanese authorities to listen to and heed these voices, and to create the necessary conditions for normal exchanges between the two countries.