BEIJING - China expects the new Japanese ambassador to play a positive role in improving the strained relationship between the countries, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

At a daily press briefing, Hua Chunying said, "We've noticed some of the new Japanese ambassador's positive remarks. We expect him to be committed to improving China-Japan relations."

Incoming Japanese ambassador to China Masato Kitera is due to arrive in Beijing this week.

Hua said China hoped Kitera could "gain a better understanding of China through active engagement with the Chinese people, and make positive efforts to properly deal with the difficulties and problems faced by the two countries."

Hua reiterated China's position on the Diaoyu Islands as clear and consistent.

"We are ready to handle the current situation through negotiations with the Japanese government," she said. "However, our determination to safeguard our territorial sovereignty is unswerving."