China is pleased to see Russia and Japan develop normal and friendly cooperation based on mutual respect and treating each other equally, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

Geng made the remarks on Thursday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Japan for a two-day visit.

Both Russia and Japan are China's neighbors and important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Geng said, adding that the ties between Russia and Japan should benefit regional peace and stability.

During his visit to Japan, Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will have talks in Nagato and Tokyo.