China reiterated on Thursday that it hopes China-Japan relations will return to normal at an early date.

"We hope Japanese leaders to make a clear-cut decision and overcome political hurdles to create healthy and stable ties as soon as possible," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu.

Jiang said China has always attached great importance to China-Japan relations.

President Hu Jintao has said many times that the two nations should be committed to peaceful coexistence, long-term friendship, mutual-beneficial cooperation and common development, she said.