国内英语新闻:Japanese PM highlights importance of relations with China

TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan highlighted Friday the importance of relations between Japan and China, saying it was essential to deepen the mutually beneficial relations.

While Kan was explaining his concerns regarding China at the opening session of the Japanese Diet.

"As neighboring countries separated by a thin strip of water, Japan and China are of great importance to each other. It is acknowledged that relations between the two countries are of critical importance to the Asia-Pacific region and, I might say, the entire world," he said.

He urged both countries to proceed calmly with current issues, including the recent maritime collisions in the East China Sea that sparked a diplomatic spat, saying that cooperation was indispensable.

"In terms of the relationship between Japan and China as a whole, it is essential we work together to deepen our mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests from a broad perspective, including peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing cooperation in the economic field," Kan said.

Seperately, Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said Friday Japan was open to discussions with China in order to prevent further maritime incidents as strained bilateral ties between Japan and China were "not productive."

"It is necessary that Japan and China reach an accord on how to avert an incident," Maehara said at a meeting hosted by Kyodo News.

"We are required to strategically establish a win-win relationship between the two countries, considering that tensions and confrontations are disadvantageous for both," he said.