China calls for stable Japan relations after Ishiba election victory

Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) looks on, during a press conference after the LDP leadership election, in Tokyo, Sept 27, 2024. FILE - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian gestures during a news conference in Beijing, March 20, 2024.

China has urged Japan to maintain a "healthy and stable" relationship with Beijing after former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race Friday.