Japan’s Abe vows to boost China ties day before Beijing trip


FE Team | Published: October 24, 2018 13:12:30 | Updated: October 25, 2018 10:45:24


Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a news conference after reshuffling his cabinet, at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2017 - Reuters file photo

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to bolster cooperation and friendship between his country and China in a key policy speech the day before he makes the first trip to Beijing by a Japanese leader in seven years.

Abe said Japan and China are both responsible for the region’s peace and prosperity, which he hoped to achieve by boosting exchanges in all areas, from business to sports and politics.

Abe will hold talks with Chinese leaders Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang during his three-day visit, reports the Associated Press.

In his speech opening a new parliamentary session Wednesday, Abe also pledged to accept more foreign workers to tackle a severe labour shortage.

Abe was re-elected last month to head his governing party and seeks to serve Japan’s leader for three more years.
 

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