Japan Seeks 'Constructive and Stable' Relations With China

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya says Tokyo wants a "stable relationship" with China based on common interests. The minister said he hoped to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi "as soon as possible" for "frank exchanges and dialogue", but a date had not yet been decided.

The remark was made during his first press conference after being nominated by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Ishiba, who was approved as prime minister by parliament on Tuesday after winning a ruling party leadership vote.