Resolution must come via talks, Yang says

In a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Tuesday, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said China insists on a political resolution to the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue through peaceful means.

China's stance on the issue is clear and consistent, he said.

The two sides should keep their histories in mind and look ahead, pressing continually to improve relations based on the spirit of four important political documents between China and Japan and the four-point principled agreement reached in November 2014, Yang said.

Yang said at the meeting that China-Japan relations are at an important juncture, with new opportunities and outstanding challenges in this 45th anniversary year of the normalization of relations between the two nations.

Yang urged Japan to honor its words and abide by rules regarding the historical issues between the two, and the Taiwan question. It should work with China to safeguard East China Sea peace and stability.

Talking to the heads of seven Japan-China friendship groups and the Japan Business Federation on Tuesday, Yang welcomed Japan to discuss cooperation with China in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Yang co-chaired with Japanese National Security Adviser Shotaro Yachi the fourth round of high-level political dialogue on Monday.

He said China attaches importance to developing its relationship with Japan.

He urged the two sides to further enhance communication between local governments and young people to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples.

He called on Japan to conform with the trend of the times and implement, with specific policies and concrete actions, the consensus that the two countries are each other's cooperative partners, and that China's development is an opportunity for Japan.

Yachi said Japan's stance on the Taiwan question and historical issues have not changed and Japan is dedicated to improving its relationship with China and is willing to work with China to enhance exchanges at all levels, expand positive aspects and properly manage disputes in bilateral relations.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

caihong@chinadaily.com.cn