BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that Japan should earnestly implement the political understanding that "China and Japan see each other as partners, not threats."

China is willing to work with Japan to restore the relationship to healthy and steady growth, as long as Japan "does not prevaricate, flip-flop or backpedal and instead accepts and welcomes China's development," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

"Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission. At this important juncture, we ask Japan to have political credibility and act accordingly to cement the political foundation of its relations with China," Wang said.

He said the treaty had confirmed political principles agreed upon the normalization of Sino-Japanese relationship, such as handling historical issues correctly and upholding the one-China policy.

He said China noticed that Japan's policies towards China became clearer and more positive in recent days. "We welcome such a hard-won momentum of improvement in our relationship," he said.

"I am hopeful that with a steady improvement of our relations, high level visits will naturally come about and peace and friendship will again be the dominant theme of Sino-Japanese relations," Wang said.