China and Japan Monday discussed issues of bilateral relations on the occasion of Japan Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto’s visit in Beijing, where he was received by Vice President Xi Jinping.
At that meeting, Vice President Xi Jinping noted the development of links to the fundamental interests of both sides. He added that both countries have responsibilities in protecting and promoting peace in Asia and the rest of the world, sharing broad interests in both regional and international issues.
The reconstruction in the neighboring archipelago after the earthquake and tsunami of March 11 was also on the topics.
Matsumoto thanks for the condolences expressed by China, including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and the aid sent to his nation.
He explained that Tokyo hopes to expand cooperation with China in various fields, including reconstruction, to boost mutually beneficial relationships.
Shortly before the Japanese foreign minister met with his counterpart Yang Jiechi. Both sides discussed, in addition to bilateral ties, the six-party talks for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, officials said.
They also discussed the differences over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
The visit coincided with a delegation of Chinese lawmakers attending the sixth meeting of the cooperation committee between the NPC of China and the Japanese lower house.