BEIJING - China and Japan on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation in security issues to push forward their strategic, mutually beneficial relationship.

Related readings:  China-Japan co-op positive in 2010  Japan seeks to expand ties with China: Kan  Japan media pushes Tokyo toward China  Poll: Japanese want strong ties with China, US

The two sides recognize their extensive shared interests in security areas, a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, after the China-Japan security dialogue was held in Beijing.

This dialogue, the 12th round between the two countries since 1993, was attended by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue and Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Koro Bessho, among other diplomats and defense officials.

Both sides had an in depth exchange on the international and regional security situation and their own defense policies, the statement said.

China elaborated its peaceful development concept and China-Japan friendship policies, emphasizing its development will continue to create opportunities for other countries to expand cooperation and achieve common development.

China's development will also contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world at large, the statement said.

Japan said it will continue its path of peaceful development and follow its current constitution. Japan considers China as a partner and will not make security policies to target China as a rival or hurt China's interests, according to the statement.