Chinese, Japanese ambassadors have one thing in common over their ties

China's ambassador to Japan, Cheng Yonghua, has at least one thing in common with his Japanese counterpart Masato Kitera: both say it is difficult for them to push forward Sino-Japanese relations because of the tensions between the two nations.

Cheng told reporters on the sidelines of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing that he faced many obstacles when carrying out his job.

"Whenever the two sides make efforts to improve their relations there are some people or forces creating problems to disturb such progress," he said. "Under such a situation, it will be more difficult for the two nations to talk about improving our relationship."

He said the visit to the Yasukuni war shrine by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in December had closed the door for dialogue between the two nations.

Cheng said the international community should be alerted to the rise of militarism in Japan, and its failure to respect the lessons of history would make the country unable to face its future.

"The relationship between China and Japan is still very important and we should explore ways to properly handle our ties," he said.

"We should be vigilant against right-wing forces and their views, but we should also continue friendly exchanges and co-operation with the Japanese people."