Sustained, sound, steady development of China-Japan relations in fundamental interests of both sides: spokesman

Sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations is in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

Following Japan's general election on Sunday, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito fell short of the majority threshold, bringing political uncertainty to an economy that is already facing an array of challenges.

The LDP and Komeito got a total of 215 of the 465 seats in the powerful chamber of parliament, below the 233 seats needed for the majority. The LDP alone won 191 seats, much less than the 247 seats it held prior to the election.

In contrast, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party significantly increased its representation, rising from 98 seats before the election to 148 seats.

The result is largely in line with media forecasts as public outrage over the LDP's funding scandal persisted. The last time when the coalition lost a majority was in 2009.

Speaking at a regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry, Lin said that China has no comment on Japan's election result which is an internal affair, while reiterating that China hopes to work with Japan in building constructive and stable bilateral relations.

"We have noticed relevant election result. This is Japan's internal affairs, and China has no comment on it. Sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations is in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries. We hope that Japan can work with China to abide by the principles and common understandings established in the four political documents between the two sides, comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and be committed to building constructive and stable China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era," he said.

Sustained, sound, steady development of China-Japan relations in fundamental interests of both sides: spokesman

Sustained, sound, steady development of China-Japan relations in fundamental interests of both sides: spokesman

The Chinese military has continued to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of and airspace over the Huangyan Dao as well as the surrounding areas in the South China Sea since the beginning of December, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said Wednesday.

The PLA Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces troops to reinforce patrols and vigilance, further strengthening control and management over the relevant areas.

The move has effectively addressed various infringement and provocations, with an aim to safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command.

Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao