Japan and China agreed to start operating a maritime and air liaison mechanism that will be aimed at averting an accidental clash between the two countries in the East China Sea, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday.
"By easing tensions and building mutual trust, we will make the East China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship," Abe said at a press conference with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang after their bilateral talks. "We were able to conclude this issue, which has existed for 10 years."
Abe said the two leaders also agreed to establish a new public-private forum to facilitate cooperation among companies of their nations, in response to demand for infrastructure projects in Asia. The forum will be placed under the two countries' high-level economic dialogue.
Invited by Li to visit China, Abe expressed his intention to do so "at an appropriate time."
"I want to increase the momentum for improved ties between Japan and China to the next level through frequent reciprocal visits by the leaders of the two countries," he said.
On North Korea, Abe said Japan and China confirmed that they would fulfill their responsibility to secure peace and stability in Northeast Asia. "If North Korea takes the right path, its economy could grow. Therefore, I agreed with Premier Li that U.N. Security Council resolutions should be thoroughly implemented, and that Japan and China will work together to that end," Abe said.
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