BEIJING - China announced Sunday it was adjusting the date to hold the reception to mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations, saying the reception would be held at an appropriate time.

Officials from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Japan Friendship Association announced there would be a change when answering a reporter's question on the date of the reception.

It had been reported that the reception would be held at the end of September. With the signing of the China-Japan Joint Statement, the two countries normalized diplomatic relations on Sept 29, 1972.

The official said the two countries should grasp the 40th anniversary as an opportunity to push forward bilateral relations, exchanges and cooperation in all areas.

However, the Japanese government, regardless of China's firm opposition, insisted on "buying" the Diaoyu Islands, which was illegal and severely damaged China-Japan relations and ruined the atmosphere of the 40th anniversary. The Chinese government stated its solemn stance over that and Chinese people had voiced their strong indignation, the official said.

It was in the two countries and two peoples' fundamental interests to promote the China-Japan strategic ties of reciprocity on the basis of mutual respect. China is committed to developing ties with Japan and its faith to promote bilateral friendship has not changed, the official added.