CHINA> National
Sino-Japanese relations reach 'new historic point'
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-31 10:37

Li Changchun (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Japanese Prime Minister and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Taro Aso in Tokyo, Japan, on March 30, 2009. [Xinhua]

Both should concretely push forward economic cooperation, particularly in energy, energy-saving, environmental protection and finance sectors for giving new impetus to the growth of Sino-Japanese ties, he said.

He also urged Japan to "properly handle" sensitive issues and accidental events between China and Japan so that they don't affect the bilateral ties.

Political parties of China and Japan, ruling parties in particular, should contribute more to the growth of China-Japan relations, he said.

Financial crisis and measures to combat its adverse effects was an important topic during the meeting.

"The Chinese economy is inter-linked with the global economy. The measures taken by the Chinese government to ensure economic growth also provide new opportunities for other countries, including Japan," Li said.

He hoped China and Japan would open a new cooperative era by jointly overcoming the current difficulties and contribute to the recovery of the world economy.

The spreading financial crisis has offered new chances to Japan and China to carry out higher-level cooperation, the Japanese prime minister said.


Li Changchun (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is greeted upon his arrival in Tokyo, on March 29, 2009. Li Changchun arrived in Tokyo to kick off his official goodwill visit Sunday. [Xinhua]

The measures adopted by China to stimulate its domestic demand are of significance for the recovery of the world economy, he said, adding that Japan was willing to strengthen cooperation with China on the reform of international financial system and other regional and global issues.

Aso said frequent high-level exchanges have quickened the pace for the improvement of bilateral ties and promoted the mutually beneficial cooperation.

Li is the highest-ranking official to visit Japan this year. Besides Aso, he also met with leaders of political parties and senior executives of the Japanese business community.