Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and China's President Xi Jinping met for the first time since last year on Wednesday and said that bilateral relations between countries are warming as both assumed joint responsibility in promoting peace and stability in the region as well as in the world over.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the two Asian leaders met on the sidelines of the fourth Eastern Economic Forum which was recently held in Russia, in the Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok.
In a statement quoted by WSJ, the Japanese PM said that Sino-Japan relations have never been this much warm as it continues to move forward int eh direction of achieving great improvement not only politically but also in areas such as security, trade cooperation, and economic development.
Xi, on his part, expressed his sympathy towards the Japanese people, particularly those living within the areas of Kansai and Hokkaido. Both places were recently hit by the typhoon Jebi which claimed heavy casualties and property losses on its wake.
Responsibilities as Major Economic Powers
In a report from the state-run Xinhua News Agency, later cited over at South China Morning Post, it is said that the meeting draws a clear sign that both Beijing and Tokyo are keen on fulfilling its duties to defend multilateralism and uphold the free trade system governed by the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Although it didn't necessarily mention Washington's hand in pursuing unilateralism and protectionism, the two nations are quite clear on its commitment to safeguard and help flourish the open global economy and for what's left of it.
It is Beijing and Tokyo's responsibility, as the news agency pointed out, to play their roles as major economic powers to maintain peace and stability while ensuring the steady flow of economic development and prosperity in the Asian region and beyond.
Abe's Beijing Visit
Meanwhile, the report from France 24 confirmed Abe's upcoming visit to China which will happen before this year ends. The trip will be the first to be done by a Japanese prime minister in seven years, a move that further suggests the improving ties between the two Asian powerhouses.
As detailed by the news outlet, Abe's visit to China is in line with the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China.
The prime minister also expressed his desire to invite the Chinese head of state to visit Japan after the anniversary celebration.
