The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the speech made by the Japanese foreign minister at a routine press briefing on Wednesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying said that while the speech did send positive signals, Tokyo needed to do a lot more than just talk.

"Relations between China and Japan are seeing an improvement, but they also face challenges. We call on Japan to meet China halfway, and abide by the four political documents signed by both sides, as well as the four-point principled agreement reached in November 2014. We hope Japan can handle the relevant issues in an appropriate manner, and make concrete efforts for the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," Hua said.