BEIJING, December 15. /TASS/. Beijing expects Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan to promote peace and stability in Asia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Thursday.

"Russia and Japan are China’s neighboring countries," the diplomat noted. "We hope that Russia and Japan will develop normal relations based on mutual respect and equality. Such friendly relations will help promote peace and stability in the region," Geng Shuang said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Japan on Thursday. During the two-day visit, he will hold several rounds of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. On the first day of the visit, the two leaders’ meeting will take place in the city of Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is Abe's home constituency. On Friday, December 16, Putin and Abe will participate in joint events in Tokyo.