China and Japan on Thursday expressed the hope that bilateral ties should move headway as they staged grand activities marking the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties.

"Chinese and Japanese politicians made strategic decision to normalize diplomatic relations 35 years ago, turning a new chapter of the Sino-Japanese ties," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao spoke to visiting Japanese guests including former Japanese prime ministers Mori Yoshiro and Tomiichi Murayama.

China-Japan relation is facing good momentum of development and opportunities, and the Chinese government will continue its friendly policy towards Japan to develop friendly neighbouring relations of cooperation, Wen said.

At the grand reception with 600-odd attendance, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said the China-Japan ties have witnessed ups and downs during the past 35 years, and now back to normal track for development due to joint efforts by both governments and peoples.

"Chinese and Japanese leaders kept frequent contacts and communication in the past year, reaching important consensus on the target of peaceful co-existence, long-lasting friendship, mutual cooperation and common development, which should be cherished by both nations," Tang said.

"China and Japan are facing bright future and shoulder responsibilities in developing bilateral ties," Tang said.

China would like to work with Japan to continuously push forward bilateral relations for long-term and stable growth based on the three political documents and keeping in mind the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking to the future", Tang said.

Echoing Chinese leaders' remarks, Mori Yoshiro and Tomiichi Murayama said Japan-China relations enjoy great improvement and development in the past year through joint efforts of both sides, and the two countries witness sound cooperation in fields of economy, culture, sports and youth exchanges.

They suggested both countries take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary to step up strategic mutual-beneficial ties, keep high-level exchanges, and facilitate cooperation in the key areas such as environmental protection and energy saving.

The Japanese guests also called for promoting youth exchanges and cooperation between localities, in a bid to cement mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2007)