Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said here Sunday that said relations between China and Japan were achieved as a result of the "long-term and arduous efforts" made by generations of leaders, governments and peoples of the two nations.

Li made the remarks at a press conference on the sideline of the annual session of China's top legislature.

"It is a hard-won result and deserves to be cherished," said the minister.

To maintain sound relations with Japan is a set policy of China and the Sino-Japan friendship should continue from "generation to generation".

He called for concerted efforts of the two countries in handling historical issues and the Taiwan issue "properly" as well as continuing to strengthen cooperation on the basis of the two nations' "overall interests".

China has "indisputable, historical and legal sovereignty" over the Diaoyu Island and the adjacent islands. Relevant problems should be solved through talks on the basis of facts and should not affect the healthy development of the Sino-Japanese ties, he said.

Source: Xinhua