Japan congratulates Xi, ready to work together: Spokesman
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Newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with former President Hu Jintao after the election of the new president of China during the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, March 14, 2013. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday congratulated Mr Xi Jinping for officially becoming China's president, as the two nations are locked in a row over an island chain, a senior Tokyo official said. -- PHOTO: AFP
TOKYO (AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday congratulated Mr Xi Jinping for officially becoming China's president, as the two nations are locked in a row over an island chain, a senior Tokyo official said.
Japan wants to work with Mr Xi in the spirit of a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests", Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular briefing.
"The Japanese government congratulates President Xi Jinping and the newly chosen leadership," Mr Suga said.
"The relationship with China is one of the most important international relationships for Japan," he said, adding that Mr Abe sent a congratulatory message to Mr Xi.
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