China-Japan relations is anticipated to improve, as high-ranking officials of the world's two leading economies committed to increase collaboration and pursue common development goals.

In a landmark meeting between Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, the former urged Japan to continue to maintain positive and peaceful policies towards China, China Daily reported.

Like Us on Facebook

Li said that it is only by doing so that the current diplomatic relations between the two countries will be enhanced.

The Chinese premier stressed that stable ties between the two Asian countries will ultimately benefit their people, and consequently, foster greater regional and global stability and prosperity.

Li noted that despite setbacks in China-Japan relations in recent years, there are strong indications that Sino-Japanese ties are actually improving.

Although he described the relationship between their countries as "fragile," Li said that China is willing to extend its trust for its Asian neighbor, which could eventually lead towards the normalization of their bilateral ties.

"China hopes Japan will maintain peaceful development and make real steps toward fulfilling its agreement to take up opportunities created by China's peaceful development," he said.

Li pointed out that Japan should be more circumspect in handling foreign policy issues, which could adversely affect China-Japan relations.

He added that Japan must work towards building a positive atmosphere that would encourage the resumption of bilateral dialogues, as well as the trilateral leaders' meeting between China, South Korea and Japan.

For his part, Kishida said that Japan is willing to show mutual respect, strengthen political trust, and manage disputes with China.

As a measure of good will, he declared that Japan will expand cooperation with China in various fields, which aim to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two.

It is Kishida's first official visit to China since becoming foreign minister more than three years ago.

He is the first Japanese foreign minister who has travelled to China since Shinzo Abe's re-election in 2012, a strong indication of improving China-Japan relations.  

Tagschina, Japan, Premier Li Kequiang