Premier Li urges Tokyo to keep its word

Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Japan's National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi, who came to China to attend the first China-Japan high-level political dialogue, in Beijing, July 17, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier says relations are facing challenges and opportunities

Premier Li Keqiang told Japan on Friday that it must keep its word on issues related to wartime history and handle differences in a responsible manner.

He was speaking after the lower house of Japan's parliament approved security bills designed to expand the role of the country's Self-Defense Forces. The bills will now be considered by the upper house.

Li made the remarks while meeting in Beijing with Shotaro Yachi, head of Japan's National Security Council and a key adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Yachi told Li that Japan will face up to historical issues, handle differences in a proper way and stick to the path of peace and development, according to a statement released after the meeting.

Li said that, despite a wish to improve ties, China's relations with Japan remain sensitive and complicated.

"The relationship is facing both opportunities and challenges," Li said.

Li urged Japan to seriously address the concerns of Asian countries that suffered during World War II and handle related issues with a sense of responsibility.

Last year, before a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the two sides reached a four-point consensus to improve bilateral ties. They agreed to resume political, diplomatic and security dialogues while acknowledging their different positions on the Diaoyu Islands.

Li added, "The Chinese government pays close attention to its relations with Japan and is willing to expand bilateral ties based on the four-point agreement."

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the visit by Yachi is a step forward for efforts to improve bilateral ties. However, he said, it would be unrealistic to expect relations to return to a normal level after a single trip.

Yachi visited Beijing to co-host the First China-Japan High-Level Political Dialogue with State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Before his talks with the premier, Yachi met with Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, who expressed concern over Japan's security bills.

Chang said the passing of the bills by the lower house is an "unprecedented move" for Japan's military in the period since the end of World War II. The issue will have a "complicated" influence on regional security and strategic stability, he added.

He urged the Japanese to learn from history, respect the major security concerns of its neighbors and avoid harming regional peace and stability.

Japan's The Nikkei and Mainichi Shimbun newspapers reported that Abe is considering visiting China around the time of the Sept 3 ceremony in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.