Premier engages with leaders in useful one-on-one talks

Editor's note: Premier Li Keqiang met foreign leaders on the sidelines of a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation in Manila on Monday. Here are highlights of some of the talks.

Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Manila, the Philippines, Nov 13, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Japan

When meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Li Keqiang said that there are some positive changes in China-Japan relations while some sensitive factors still exist.

It is hoped that Japan will work with China to push forward their relations, overcome difficulties and challenges, maintain the improving momentum and achieve new development, Li said.

They should jointly promote negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as well as a China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement, Li said.

Abe said Japan believes the two sides are cooperative partners, not posing a threat to each other, and they should strengthen high-level exchanges and consolidate improving momentum.

The two sides should strengthen economic dialogue and explore construction of connectivity under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Abe said.