China welcomes Japan-India ties

BEIJING - China welcomes mutual visits between India and Japan and wants to "actively develop" relations with both countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday as Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda continued his state visit to India.

China's reaction to Noda's trip to India, which followed his two-day visit to Beijing, has been watched closely.

Hong said at a regular news conference that, during Noda's visit, China and Japan reached an important consensus on promoting a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.