Japan, China eye on improving relations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-16 16:47

Li Zhaoxing, former foreign minister and now chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National People's Congress, speaks at the fourth Beijing-Tokyo forum in Tokyo September 16, 2008. Li said the Chinese and Japanese people have the wisdom to find ways to settle their disputes. [chinadaily.com.cn]

TOKYO -- Representatives and officials from Japan and China called for closer ties between the two countries to achieve mutual win in a wide range of spheres here on Tuesday.

"Mutual trust, friendship and win-win are the guidelines to develop bilateral relations, while economic cooperation provides the impetus," said Li Zhaoxing, former Chinese foreign minister.

"The two sides should build solid political foundation and to realize a win-win target through improved cooperation," he added.

Representatives from both countries exchanged views on Sino- Japanese relations at the ongoing fourth edition of the Beijing- Tokyo Forum on Tuesday, believing the friendship between the two Asian countries will benefit both sides.

"China and Japan should respect each other politically, support each other economically and join hands to enhance cultural exchanges," said Chen Haosu, chairman of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Koichi Kato, chairman of Japan-China friendship Association, reviewed his experiences serving at the organization dedicated to the closer ties between the two neighbors and expressed his wishes for development of both countries.

The annual forum, co-sponsored by China Daily and the non- profit Japanese organization Genron NPO, is held alternately in Beijing and Tokyo. The first Tokyo-Beijing Form took place in Beijing in August 2005.