On Monday's session, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is looking forward to expanding current ties with the Chinese government. His statement came after officials from Japan and China called for further developments in bilateral relations between the countries.
During his speech, Abe said, "I want to elevate Japan-China ties to the next level," Japan Today reported. The Japanese leader added that this goal will be achieved through frequent visits between officials from the two countries. During the visits, Abe is expecting to improve exchanges in a variety of industries.
In October, Abe visited Beijing. It was the first time in seven years that a Japanese prime minister set foot in China. It appears that bilateral meetings will be held more often starting this year.
Aside from improving Chinese ties, Abe noted that he will push for reforms that will strengthen Japan's "defense capability," adding that the country will use the new national defense guidelines in ensuring that Japan's superiority in cyberspace and other domains will be retained.
Last week, Chinese and Japanese officials held a meeting in Osaka. Both delegations agreed that it is important to improve bilateral relations between the two Asian countries.
According to Xinhua, Chinese Ambassador Cheng Yonghua highlighted the importance of building fundamental interest that will benefit China and Japan. He also reiterated that exchange among youth from both countries will develop cooperation for the near future.
Over 600 representatives from China and Japan joined the conference, with Japanese consul-general in China's Shenyang, Fumihiro Kawamika giving a review of exchanges that took place over the past years.
Furthermore, officials from the two countries are expected to hold a security dialogue on February 1 in Beijing. The meeting's agenda will focus on defense issues that have put the two countries at odds in the past.
Multiple outlets reported that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and Senior Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori will be gracing the meeting. Defense officials are also expected to take part in the negotiations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make an official trip to Japan. It would be the first time a Chinese president visits Japan as the last one was made in May 2008. The February 1 summit is said to lay the foundation for Xi's Japan state visit.
Political analysts believe that China and Japan's bilateral ties have improved. Last year marked the 40th year of cooperation between the Asian countries. Economic collaboration is expected as leaders continue to communicate ways to benefit both sides.
