China reaffirms bilateral relations with Japan marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

What happened: Chinese President Xi Jinping On Thursday he called the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where both leaders talked about building a strong relationship.

See also: Kamala Harris discusses Kim Jong Un’s missile launch and electric vehicle subsidies with South Korea’s president at a meeting in the demilitarized zone

Xi told Kishida that he attaches “great importance” to the development of China-Japan ties, adding that he is willing to work with Japan to build the relationship, according to Reuters reported citing Chinese state media.

Meanwhile, in a message read at a reception in Tokyo to mark the 50th anniversary, Kishida said the bilateral relationship is now facing “many problems and challenges” and he hopes to pave the way for a “new future.”

“Japan and China share a great responsibility to achieve regional and world peace and prosperity,” Kishida said.

“Facing the next 50 years … I hope to work with you to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” to achieve that goal, he added.

Continue reading: Kamala Harris says US “will continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense” while criticizing China for “troubling” actions