Japan's ambassador to China has urged the mayor of Chongqing to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens living in the inland city.

Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji met Mayor Hu Henghua during a visit to the city on Tuesday.

His visit comes as China has recently seen a string of violent incidents.

Kanasugi noted the importance of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He also expressed concerns about Japanese nationals falling victim to crimes, as well as Beijing's opaque operation of its counterespionage law.

The mayor reportedly said he bears responsibility for the safety of local residents.

He expressed hope for more investment by Japanese companies and an increase in Japanese tourists.

Chongqing is one of the Chinese government's direct-administered municipalities, along with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.

The city is home to industries such as automobiles and computers. It houses around 240 Japanese firms, and about 230 Japanese citizens are staying there.

China reinstated visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips last Saturday, in an apparent effort to boost travel between the two countries.