China, Japan agreement "major step" in relations: Chinese FM

BEIJING, Nov. 8 -- The four-point principled agreement reached Friday between China and Japan is "a major step" toward the improvement of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida at the request of the Japanese side.

China and Japan have reached a four-point principled agreement to improve bilateral ties, agreeing to resume political, diplomatic and security dialogue while acknowledging different positions on the Diaoyu Islands.

Wang said the key is that the Japanese side should treat the agreement seriously and earnestly follow it and implement it.

The Japanese side should seriously reflect on itself on this basis, find the root cause that has affected the healthy development of the bilateral ties, and commit itself to solving it, he said.

"Only by getting to the root of the problem and removing it can the bilateral ties develop in a stable and sustainable manner," Wang noted.

He also urged Japan to stick to a correct view of history and completely break away with the deeds and theories of its aggression in the past.

Wang called on Japan to understand and treat China's development in an objective and correct manner and pursue a positive policy toward China.

Japan should continue to adhere to a peaceful development path that can be recognized and supported by all sides, Wang said.

He hoped that the Japanese side can take practical measures to constantly accumulate "positive elements" for the improvement and development of the bilateral relations.

Kishida, who is in Beijing to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting, said that the four-point principled agreement is very important for the improvement of the bilateral relations, and the Japanese side stands ready to make efforts to implement it.

Japan hopes to maintain the momentum of improvement of ties along with the Chinese side, he said.