China welcomes Japan's new ambassador, said China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao at a press conference on July 5, 2005.

Liu made the remark when asked to comment on the departure of the Koreshige Anami, who has worked for over four years as Japanese ambassador to China and will be replaced by Yutaka Iimura, who is now Japan's ambassador to Indonesia.

Liu said China appreciates Mr. Anami's vigorous efforts in promoting the Sino-Japanese relations during his term, and hopes his successor will carry on such efforts to improve and develop the bilateral relations.

By People's Daily Online