Japan, China pledge to promote bilateral ties

Premier Li made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the 20th China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) (10+1) leaders’ meeting in Manila.

Premier Li said that the current China-Japan relations have shown some positive changes, but sensitive factors still exist.

“While of course we cannot deny the existence of some sensitive factors … I think both sides must work hard together to make the momentum of improvement in China-Japan relations into something solid,” Mr. Li told PM Abe at the outset of the meeting, which was open to the press.

“I want us to strongly move forward the development of a strategic, mutually beneficial relationship,” Mr. Abe replied, saying he too has noticed a trend of improvement.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations, and next year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also met Premier Li Keqiang again at the ASEAN + 3 (10 ASEAN nations and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) on November 14th./.