Abe Announces End of Japanese ODA to China

October 26, 2018

Beijing- Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday said his government will end official development assistance to China, at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of their peace and friendship treaty.

"China has developed into the world's second-biggest economy. The historic mission (of the ODA) is completed," Abe said at the event in Beijing held after informal talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Abe, the first Japanese prime minister making an official visit to China in about seven years, is slated to hold separate talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Li on Friday.

"I want to discuss an ideal future of Japan-China cooperation to bring it to a new level appropriate in the new era, from a broader perspective and without reservations," Abe said, expressing his wish to stabilize the improving bilateral relations.

Li, who made a speech prior to Abe, said that he welcomes Japan's active participation in Beijing's Belt and Road economic initiative.

Abe met Li for the first time since May in Tokyo.

The Japanese leader is visiting China after the 40th anniversary of the effectuation of the bilateral treaty on Tuesday.

At the beginning of the informal meeting, Li told Abe that the two countries' relations have shown a consistent improvement since coming back on the right track.

Li expressed a wish to achieve further progress while maintaining the stability and sound development of the bilateral relations.

Abe replied, "I want to share the pleasure of being able to realize a reciprocal visit in such a memorable year."

Japan aims to realize mutual visits by the two countries' top leaders. During his trip, Abe hopes to elicit an agreement from Xi to visit Japan next year.

On Thursday night, Abe attended an unofficial dinner session hosted by Li at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Jiji Press