Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended his congratulations to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on his election as the country's leader.

China's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Xi sent his message to Ishiba on Tuesday.

Xi stressed the benefits of bridge-building between the two countries. He said that it serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples for both sides to walk on a road of peaceful coexistence, everlasting friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

He also expressed hope that Japan can work with China in promoting a strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way, in an effort to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent congratulations to Ishiba.

He said the two sides should enhance mutual trust and cooperation so as to better benefit the people of the two countries.

Xi sent a congratulatory message to Ishiba's predecessor, Kishida Fumio, when he took office three years ago, as well as to Suga Yoshihide four years ago.