China on Friday urged Japan to take concrete steps to create the necessary conditions for normal exchanges between the two countries.

This March 13, 2018 photo shows the front gate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Beijing, China. (File photo: Xinhua)

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing when asked to comment on media reports that a cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers will visit China next week in an apparent move to help mend strained bilateral ties.

Lin said China has noted that some insightful figures from Japan's ruling and opposition parties are deeply concerned about the current state of bilateral relations and hope to help put ties back on the right track.

"We urge those in power in Japan to listen to and take seriously these voices, uphold all the principles established in the four political documents between China and Japan, and take concrete actions to create the necessary conditions for normal exchanges between the two countries," Lin said.

(Compiled by Wang Jingyu)