U.S.-Japan ties should not target third party: Chinese spokesperson

BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The development of bilateral relations between the United States and Japan should be conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than target a third party or harm their interests, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Japanese internet users' negative comments about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Washington.

"We noticed the comments made by Japanese media, experts, and the public about Takaichi's visit to the United States, including her response when U.S. President Donald Trump invoked Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in her presence," Lin said, adding that he would make no comment on the online criticism made by Japanese citizens.