Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan hopes that the media can contribute positively to improved bilateral relations between China and Japan, demanding friendship and sincerity be underscored.

"Both the Chinese and Japanese media should pick up more positive information on bilateral relations so as to guide the national affections and feelings of the people of both nations and create a favorable environment for improving relations," said Tang during a meeting with Toyohiko Yamanouchi, president of Japan's Kyodo News Agency on Tuesday.

"We cannot improve and develop Sino-Japanese relations without the media's correct guidance," acknowledged Tang. "There have been indeed many problems in Sino-Japanese relations in recent years, which drew much attention from the media."

Describing the friction and problems between the neighboring countries as unavoidable and normal, Tang urged the media to treat them properly and give more positive signals.

"The media is expected to always give priority to friendly cooperation between the two countries," Tang said.