Li: Japan ties turn on historical issues

'Both sides wish to improve things,' premier says as he meets delegation

Premier Li Keqiang highlighted Japan's previous war apologies and urged the country to face up to history on Tuesday, amid increasing but halting efforts to thaw frosty Sino-Japanese ties.

Li made the remarks in Beijing while receiving a trade delegation led by Yohei Kono, Japan's former chief cabinet secretary, who issued a landmark 1993 apology over the forcing of women to work in military brothels during World War II.