China hopes Japan can ensure development of bilateral relations along right track: spokesperson

BEIJING - 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 Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to the news that Shigeru Ishiba will become Japan's next prime minister.

"We have noted the relevant election result. This is Japan's internal affair and China has no comment on it," Lin said, adding that the long-term, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is the only correct choice.

Lin hoped that the Japanese side would view history as a mirror, follow the path of peaceful development, and abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan.

He added that China hoped that Japan would establish an objective and correct understanding of China, pursue a positive and rational policy toward China, and fulfill the goal of promoting a strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way.