Abe to Hold Talks with Chinese Leaders on Oct. 26

Tokyo, Oct. 12 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese and Chinese governments said Friday that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit China on Oct. 25-27 to hold talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Oct. 26. It will be the first official visit to China by a Japanese prime minister in about seven years. Abe hopes to use the trip to create an impression of improved Japan-China relations and have discussions on a proposed visit to Japan by Xi in 2019. During their talks in Beijing, the leaders will discuss bilateral economic cooperation in third countries based on China's Belt and Road initiative for the development of areas mainly along the old Silk Road. They are seen agreeing to work closely toward the envisioned denuclearization of North Korea and the resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean spies. The situation in the East China Sea including the issue of the Japanese-administrated Senkaku Islands, claimed by China, is also expected to be on the agenda. Japan hopes that the talks will boost concrete cooperation and exchanges in various fields to elevate bilateral relations to new heights, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. Abe is due to attend a reception to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the Japan-China peace and friendship treaty on Oct. 23. Abe last visited China in September 2016, when he attended a Group of 20 summit. At a summit in Russia's Vladivostok last month, Abe and Xi agreed to make preparations for a visit by Abe to China. END