China hopes Japan would continue to develop in the peaceful way, said Liu Jianchao, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Tuesday.

He made the remarks when commenting on the upgrade of the Japanese Defense Agency to a full ministry on Tuesday morning. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed Fumio Kyuma as new Defense Minister.

"We hope whatever changes that has taken place in the structure of the Japanese government could it continue to develop along the way of the peaceful development," he said.

This is in conformity with the fundamental interest of Japan itself, and benefits regional peace and development, Liu added.

China positive about high-level visits

The spokesman expressed China's positive attitude on the high-level visits between the two neighbours, .

When asked about the timing of Chinese leaders's visit to Japan, Liu said an agenda will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

China and Japan agreed to resume high-level visits during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to China last October.

Liu said bilateral relations have improved since Abe's visit to China and the two sides are consulting on appropriate next steps.

"This year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties. We hope to take this opportunity to drive forward the friendship between the two countries and the development of China-Japan relations," he said.