Chinese premier sends congratulatory message to Japan's new PM

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered congratulations to Shinzo Abe over his inauguration as Japan's new Prime Minister on Tuesday.

In a congratulatory message, Wen expressed his "heartfelt congratulations" to Abe.

China-Japan relations are in an "important historical period," Wen said.

"Based on the three political documents, to continuously develop the China-Japan good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relationship not only conforms with the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also benefits peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the world as a whole," he said.

The three political documents -- the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Peace and Friendship Treaty, and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration -- are the guiding principles for the development of China-Japanese relations.

"I am willing to work together with you [Abe] to make unremitting efforts" to push forward the development of China-Japan relations, Wen added.

Abe won a landslide victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election on Sept. 20, and was elected new Prime Minister on Tuesday. He has pledged to improve relations with Japan's Asian neighbors.

After Abe's inauguration on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that China hopes Japan's new leader to make efforts to improve and develop bilateral relations.

Qin said Japan knows very well the obstacles to the development of its relationship with China, urging Abe to meet his words with actions.

Source: Xinhua