A SENIOR official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Saturday urged China and Japan to “stabilize and improve” ties on the sidelines of the Party’s ongoing 19th National Congress.

“Sino-Japanese ties face new opportunities at the moment but challenges remain,” Guo Yezhou, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, told a press conference.

Asked to comment on whether Chinese and Japanese leaders are scheduling visits to each other’s countries next year, he said mutual visits are very important to bilateral ties.

“But we also know that high-level mutual visits need the support and understanding of the public,” Guo said, urging both sides to “create better conditions and cultivate a better environment for the development of bilateral relations.”

The Communist Party of China (CPC) maintains communication and dialogue with the ruling party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Guo said Saturday.

Exchange between the CPC and the Workers’ Party of Korea plays an important role in relations between the two countries, Guo told the press conference.

To protect, develop and consolidate the friendly cooperation between China and the DPRK not only accords with bilateral interests, but also is important for regional peace and stability, Guo said.

As to when the two parties carry out what level of communication, Guo said it depends on the need and convenience of the two sides, he said

Also, Zhang Yijiong, executive vice minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, reaffirmed Saturday China’s opposition to Dalai Lama’s visits to foreign countries.

Zhang urged foreign governments to exercise “caution in both words and deeds.”

(Xinhua)