FM responds to new Japanese ambassador's designation

BEIJING, Nov. 26 (People's Daily Online) -- China hopes the newly designated Japanese Ambassador to China can make due efforts to improve bilateral ties, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily news briefing. The Japanese government officially approved the appointment of Masato Kitera, assistant chief cabinet secretary, as its new ambassador to China last Thursday. The appointment is effective from Monday.

When asked for comment on outgoing Japanese Ambassador Uichiro Niwa's 28-month term in China, he said, "We commend Ambassador Niwa's efforts to improve and develop China-Japan ties."

Hong described China-Japan relations as being in an extremely severe situation currently.

"We hope the Japanese side can face the facts, show its sincerity and resolve the problems properly together with China, so as to resume the normal development of bilateral ties," he said.

"We also hope the new ambassador can make his due efforts to this end," Hong added.

In September, Shinichi Nishimiya was nominated as new ambassador to China, but died of an acute heart failure before leaving for the country.

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