China says it hopes Japan will not develop official ties with Taiwan

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that China hopes Japan will refrain from developing official ties with Taiwan.

Spokesman Wang Wenbin was asked at a news briefing about China's views on Japan's new defence minister, who has close ties with Taiwan. He said China hoped to enhance cooperation with Japan.

(Reporting by Gabriel Crossley; Editing by Kevin Liffey)