Chinese organizations held a ceremony in Beijing on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China.

The ceremony at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse was jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association. More than 200 people, including representatives of Japanese and Chinese companies as well as officials in charge of cultural exchanges, took part in the event.

Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, Ding Zhongli, said in an address that difficulties and challenges facing bilateral relations have become so harsh that they are at a point where they could be pushed back unless they move forward.

He said the two countries, as important nations in the region and the world, should associate each other with friendship and press forward with development in the region for the benefit of the two nations and their people.

Japanese Ambassador to Beijing Tarumi Hideo said that Japan-China ties are in their most severe situation since their diplomatic normalization.

He said if each side thinks that all of its assertions are right and only demands compromise from the other side, they cannot break through the stalled Japan-China relations.

The ambassador emphasized the need for both sides to strengthen cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the region and the world.