TOKYO - Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Monday that Japan is willing to build up strategic and mutually beneficial relations with China.

Speaking at a press conference, the Japanese top government spokesman said Japan and China should take responsibility for international and regional peace and prosperity.

Suga said Japan is willing to work together with China's new leadership to construct bilateral strategic and mutually beneficial relations, adding Japan-China relationship remains one of the most important ties for the country.

However, Suga said Japan will maintain a tough attitude towards territorial dispute with China.

Relations between China and Japan have soured since Japan in last September unilaterally nationalized the Diaoyu Islets, which are inherent territories of China.

Japan said many times that it will mend ties with its neighboring countries such as South Korea and China, but without carrying out any tangible work.