Beijing said on Tuesday it hopes to "advance" ties with Tokyo, after prominent China hawk Sanae Takaichi was appointed Japan's first female prime minister.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing that China had "noted the election result", describing it as Japan's internal affair.

Guo also said China's position on its relations with Japan is clear and consistent, and called on Tokyo to work together in developing bilateral ties.

"We hope Japan will work with China, observe the principles laid down in the four political documents between the two countries, honour its political commitments on major issues concerning history and Taiwan, uphold the political foundation of the bilateral relationship, and fully advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit," he said. (AFP/Xinhua)