Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a ceremony marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and China as well as China's national day, in a display of his intent to improve relations between the Asian neighbors. <br/><br/>Mr. Abe was the first Japanese leader to participate in the annual ceremony in more than a decade. He said that he hoped Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Japan at the earliest possible date.<br/><br/>Mr. Abe said that stronger relations between Japan and China benefit the two countries and also are indispensable for peace and stability in Northeast Asia considering the present situation in the region.<br/><br/>Today, Mr. Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations. China's national day is on Sunday.<br/><br/>Beijing welcomed the attendance of Mr. Abe, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang.