China on Friday urged Japan to make practical effort to improve deadlocked China-Japan ties, as Japan's new ambassador to China, Masato Kitera, said he attached importance to bilateral ties in an interview with Japanese media.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing on Friday that it is in the interests of both countries and their people to develop healthy China-Japan ties, and Japan should demonstrate sincerity and make serious efforts to solve current disputes.

Hong's remarks came after Masato Kitera, who will be posted in China on Dec 25, told Kyodo News his opinions on current bilateral ties in an exclusive interview on Thursday.