The demonstrations against Japan staged over the weekend in China were very unfortunate and both sides must exercise calm, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Monday as the protests dragged on for a third consecutive day.
"We have expressed our regret to Chinese authorities and strongly urged them to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and companies," Kan told the Upper House Audit Committee.
"Japan and China need to make efforts in a calm manner to deepen the strategic relationship, which is of mutual benefit."