High hopes for Japan's new FM

BEIJING - Sino-Japanese relations will stand in a new light with Japan's new Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto, who is likely to handle relations with China in a positive and prudent way, unlike his predecessor, analysts said.

During a phone call on Thursday with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Matsumoto agreed to work toward improving ties ahead of the 40th anniversary of the 1972 peace treaty, the Associated Press reported.

Matsumoto was promoted from foreign secretary to foreign minister on Wednesday after Seiji Maehara resigned on Sunday over an illegal campaign donation.