Middle East people should have all power to maintain own security, development: FM

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on Japan to keep the bilateral relations on the right track, urging efforts to advance the ties in a peaceful and friendly direction.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties, which also presents an important opportunity for the two sides to review history and shape the future together, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress.

Last year, leaders of both countries have reached important understanding on building bilateral relationship for the new era, charting the future course for the two countries, Wang said.

Japan should abide by the principles and spirit established in the four political documents and act on the political consensus including viewing each other as cooperative partner and not posing any threat to each other, Wang said, taking note of the differences and challenges in bilateral relations.

The senior diplomat urged Japan to keep its commitment and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral ties, as sensitive issues over history and Taiwan concern the foundation of mutual trust.

"We hope that Japan will honor the series of solemn commitments it has made on these issues to avoid serious disruption to our bilateral relations," Wang said.

He called on Japan to follow the overriding trend to jointly open up the broad prospects of bilateral relations and make due contribution to regional peace, stability and development.