BEIJING - China has urged Japan to make sincere efforts to mend bilateral ties, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

At a press briefing, spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks in response to a media request of the Chinese government's comment on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's suggestion to mend the two countries' relations.

Hong said China is aware of Abe's attitude.

Noting that the two countries are important close neighbors, Hong said China maintains its policy of attaching great importance of developing relations with Japan.

Under the current situation, the two sides need to address prominent problems under the principles of the four political documents and promote the strategic, mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, he added.

Hong also said that China maintains a clear and consistent position on the Diaoyu Islands.

He emphasized that China urges Japan to avoid actions that escalate the situation and make efforts on its part to address the issue through dialogue.