President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Yoshihide Suga on his election as the new prime minister of Japan on Wednesday, saying that the two countries should forge a bilateral relationship that is consistent with the needs of the new era and that benefits the two nations and their people.

Xi said in the message that it fits into the fundamental interests of the people for both China and Japan, as friendly neighbors and important nations in Asia and the world, to develop long-term stable, friendly, and cooperative relations.

A healthy bilateral relationship also helps with the peace, stability, and prosperity of both Asia and the World, he said.

Premier Li Keqiang also sent a congratulatory message to Suga on Wednesday.