Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Naruhito on Wednesday on his succession as Japan's new emperor.

File photo: VCG

Naruhito formally ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne a day after the abdication of his father Akihito on Tuesday. 

Mentioning China and Japan are close neighbors with a long history of friendship, Xi expressed his hope that the two countries could jointly promote the peaceful development and create a beautiful future for the bilateral relationship. 

Xi also sent blessings to the former emperor Akihito on Wednesday.