Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Thursday called for Japan's media to play a "positive" and "constructive" role in guiding Japanese public understanding of bilateral ties.

 

Tang made the remarks in his meeting with Sugita Ryoki, president of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, in Beijing.

 

"We expect the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other Japanese media to correctly guide the understanding of the Japanese public towards bilateral ties as well as China's policies towards Japan, and contribute to the improvement and development of such relations," Tang said.

 

Despite unprecedented difficulties since the normalization of diplomatic relations, the Chinese government and people continue to attach great importance to their ties with Japan, Tang said.

 

"The friendly principles that the Chinese government applies in relation to China-Japan relations remain unchanged," he said.

 

During President Hu Jintao's meeting with the heads of seven Japan-China friendship organizations earlier this month, he comprehensively expounded his government's policies towards Japan, Tang said.

 

"This demonstrated the positive and sincere wish of the Chinese side to improve China-Japan relations," he added.

 

Ryoki acknowledged that Japan-China ties are in a crucial position. He stressed that the Nihon Keizai Shimbun was ready to make positive efforts to enhance understanding between the two peoples and improve Japan-China relations.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2006)