Beijing to Japan: Watch What You Say About South China Sea

On Tuesday China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Japan should be careful in its statements related to the South China Sea region.

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The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the Japanese to be cautious when making declarations about the disputed area. "We hope that the Japanese side would be cautious in its statements and actions related to the South China Sea issue and would play a constructive role in the settlement of the dispute between the relevant regional countries," State Councilor Yang said.

Amidst one of the multiple high-level political dialogues between the two states, Yang explained that mutual trust was fundamental to maintain a stable relationship between the two countries. Yang is currently on a three-day visit to Japan.

Yang expressed that China's commitment to improving relations with Japan remains unchanged.

Additionally, he expressed hope that Tokyo would also adapt to the trend of China's development. He suggested that Japan should view China as a partner rather than a threat.

This is the 45th anniversary of the normalization of relations between the two nations.

However, the South China Sea remains one of their longstanding disputes.

Japan and China have also at odds over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea – called the Diaoyu Islands by China. Japan oftentimes make statements about Beijing's relations with other states on the issues, attracting Beijing's criticism.

The Chinese official suggested that the two countries quickly upgrade their trade cooperation to a higher level, suggesting they need to work together for the development and prosperity of the region.

Yachi agreed it is of great importance that China and Japan, the second and third largest economies in the world, cooperate.

Yang also stated that China is open to engaging in discussions with Japan regarding the Belt and Road Initiative framework.