Abe, China’s Li Agree to Improve Bilateral Ties

November 14, 2017

Manila- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed Monday to boost efforts to improve their countries' relationship as this year marked the 40th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Abe expressed his hopes for sustainable development of the Chinese economy.

At the outset of their talks that lasted for about one hour, Li said that although there are sensitive issues between China and Japan, the two countries need to strengthen the momentum for improvement in the bilateral relations.

"I want to promote the development of the mutually beneficial strategic partnership" between the two countries, Abe said, adding Japan hopes to work with China to make the efforts in this regard more stable and steady.

The two countries' peace and friendship treaty will reach its 40th anniversary next year.

Abe asked Li to attend a trilateral summit among Japanese, Chinese and South Korean leaders that Tokyo aims to hold in Japan by the end of this year.

Abe and Li reaffirmed a target of realizing the trilateral summit at an early date.

On the economic front, Abe said that the development of the Chinese economy creates opportunities for Japan.

They agreed to continue discussions on ways to support regional and global economies, including through China's Belt and Road initiative to create a huge economic zone from Asia to Europe.

Abe and Li also agreed that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a common goal for Japan and China.

Their meeting followed Abe's talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Vietnam on Saturday. It was the first time for Abe to hold separate meetings with top Chinese leaders during an overseas trip.

The Japanese government hopes that Abe and Xi make reciprocal visits next year.

Abe is visiting the Philippines as part of his Southeast Asian tour. Jiji Press