China hopes that the forthcoming official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will signify another step along the path of the improvement of bilateral relations, however Beijing is not ready for compromise on the disputed territories in the East China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang stated on Tuesday commenting on the visit of the Japanese government head beginning on December 27, according to Itar-Tass. This visit is regarded extremely important in Beijing. The Chinese side is ready to jointly with Tokyo work for the creation of the political trust, develop economic cooperation and interaction in other spheres, which will give a new impulse to our relations, the Chinese diplomat stressed. One of the main unsettled issues between the two states is the disputed territories in the East China Sea. Japan should understand the objective reality - the Diaoyutai Islands are part of China and there should be no doubts on this, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed. He added that the Chinese side is 'positive and pragmatic about these consultations and expresses the desire to overcome the existing disagreements. China also hopes that the Japanese colleagues seek to settle this problem as soon as possible, Qin added. In addition, he expressed "gratitude" to Tokyo for its position on Taiwan - adherence to the "one China" policy and opposing attempts to proclaim "independence" on the island. Fukuda will for the first time visit Beijing since the moment of his election to the prime minister's post. He is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on December 28, as well as to meet Premier of the Chinese State Council Wen Jiabao.
