Japanese ambassador to China, Yutaka Yokoi, has held a reception to mark the end of his first month in office in Beijing. He said he hopes to use his experience to promote China-Japan relations.

Yokoi is one of Japan's "China-school" diplomats who underwent language training in China with a specific focus on the relationship with China. The 61-year-old ambassador took the post as bilateral ties have been overshadowed by tension over the South China Sea issue, in addition to long-standing historical and territorial issues. Yokoi said forging a new era in China-Japan relations will need bilateral efforts and more communication between the people of the two countries. 

"I have had many first-hand experiences in working and participating in China-Japan cooperation in the past. I hope in the future, Japan will have more opportunities to work and interact with China and other countries in the international community. 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties. I look forward to seeing an increase in communication and interaction between all levels of the government and the people from both countries.,"Yokoi said.