Koichi Takemasa, Japan's state secretary for foreign affairs, on Thursday praised the development of the People's Republic of China and the international role it has played as it celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Takemasa said during a press conference that China had attained eye-catching development since it adopted the policy of reform and opening-up, and provided enormous opportunities for other countries in the world, including Japan.

He said that as both Japan and China shoulder the responsibility for peace and stability in Asia and the wider international community, they needed to focus on the creation of an East Asian community aimed at promoting cooperation among the Asian countries while fulfilling the wider responsibility.

Takemasa said that despite different political systems and social and economic structures, it was important the two countries substantialize the content of their strategic and mutually beneficial relations.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)