BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday quashed reports of Chinese customs agents delaying clearance of Japanese goods.
"We have noticed the reports, which, according to relevant departments, were inconsistent with the facts," said Hong Lei at a regular press briefing, in response to Japanese media claims that goods exported to China from Japanese companies were delayed during customs clearance, a supposed effect of the two countries' dispute over the Diaoyu Islands.
Hong said Chinese customs agents have been clearing goods exported to China from Japanese companies according to due process, and implementing normal regular inspections.
The spokesman also criticized Japan for bringing about the severe situation of China-Japan relations and souring trade and economic ties, and urged Japan to correct its mistake "with sincerity."
"The unprecedented harsh situation of China-Japan relations was caused by Japan's provoking actions over the Diaoyu Islands issue. China is a country of principle with regard to territorial and sovereign issues. China's territory and sovereignty brook no infringement. It is Japan that should bear responsibility for the soured bilateral economic and trade relations," Hong told journalists.
He said China always stands for a trade and economic relationship on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity. China and Japan, as the world's second- and third-largest economies, are important trading partners. China attaches importance to trade and economic cooperation with Japan.
"Japan should correct its mistakes with sincerity, properly handle the problems and create a good environment for the recovery of bilateral cooperation," the spokesman said.
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