- Title: CHINA: China welcomes new Japanese ambassdor, expresses concern over fighter jets
- Date: 25th December 2012
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (DECEMBER 25, 2012) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG FLYING CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING WALKING INTO NEWS BRIEFING MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING, SAYING: "China is paying a high degree of attention and vigilance to Japan's dispatch of Self-Defence Forces' aircraft and has made solemn representations to the Japanese side. China will pay close attention to the intentions of the Japanese side. " MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING SAYING: "We hope the new Japanese ambassador to China is able to actively improve Sino-Japanese relations. We hope he will keep close contact (with the Chinese) and communicate on all aspects to enhance Japan's understanding of China and will make positive efforts for the improvement and development of Sino-Japanese relations." MEDIA SEATED
- Embargoed: 9th January 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVADNDY5WGH0R5SKKEH6253BIEYL
- Story Text: China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday (December) expressed concern over Japan's dispatch of fighter jets over islands claimed by both countries and hoped the new Japanese ambassador to China will make efforts to improve relations.
Sino-Japanese relations took a tumble in September after Japan bought the tiny islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, from a private Japanese owner.
Patrol ships from the two countries have been shadowing each other since then in a standoff that has raised concern that a collision could escalate into a clash.
Last Japan scrambled fighter jets after a Chinese surveillance plane flew near the islands.
"China is paying a high degree of attention and vigilance to Japan's dispatch of Self-Defence Forces' aircraft and has made solemn representations to the Japanese side. China will pay close attention to the intentions of the Japanese side," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular briefing.
The foreign ministry also said it hoped bilateral relations will improve after the arrival of the new Japanese ambassador to China, Masato Kitera.
"We hope the new Japanese ambassador to China is able to actively improve Sino-Japanese relations. We hope he will keep close contact (with the Chinese) and communicate on all aspects to enhance Japan's understanding of China and will make positive efforts for the improvement and development of Sino-Japanese relations," Hua said.
Japan's prime minister elect, Shinzo Abe, has vowed not to back down on the island dispute, but he still must balance that stance with the need for stable relations with China. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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