Japan's Abe Mulling China Visit on Oct. 23.

Tokyo, Aug. 17 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering visiting China on Oct. 23, the 40th anniversary of the effectuation of the bilateral peace and friendship treaty, Japanese government sources said Friday. Tokyo is examining the idea of including in his itinerary a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and a visit outside Beijing, the sources said. Abe would visit China if he wins a third consecutive term as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in its presidential election in September. Details of his itinerary will be determined after the election. Abe apparently aims to underscore an improvement in the two countries' bilateral relationship as one of his diplomatic achievements to appeal to voters ahead of the House of Councillors election next year, the sources said. The government also hopes Abe's trip to China will pave the way for a planned visit to Japan by Xi. Prior to Abe's trip, the Japanese and Chinese governments plan to hold the first meeting of a bilateral committee to promote private-sector cooperation for China's Belt and Road initiative. The meeting is likely to take place in Beijing as early as September. During his visit, Abe is expected to highlight bilateral economic cooperation as his achievement. When Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Japan in May, he traveled with Abe to the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. Abe is considering making a visit outside Beijing to show off an improvement in the bilateral ties, the sources said. END