Beijing (TDI): Chinese Premier Li Qiang received a delegation led by Yohei Kono, President of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Premier Li described China and Japan as partners rather than rivals, urging a shift in focus toward collaboration and shared prosperity.
“We’re ready to work closely with all sectors of Japanese society,” Li said. “Our goal is to translate mutual understanding into real outcomes that benefit both our nations.”
He acknowledged that while disagreements are inevitable between neighbors, the key lies in managing those differences constructively.
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Strengthening cooperation, he added, is the surest way to build trust and maintain stability in the region.
Li also reiterated China’s commitment to opening its markets and welcomed more Japanese companies to invest and operate in China.
He praised JAPIT’s consistent role in fostering bilateral trade and encouraged the organization to continue building economic and cultural bridges between the two countries.
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Yohei Kono, speaking on behalf of the Japanese business community, said that given the current global challenges, it’s vital for Japan and China to maintain steady communication.
“In these uncertain times, keeping the dialogue open is essential,” Kono said.
“Japan and China must work together to uphold global trade norms and strengthen multilateral cooperation.”
Kono emphasized JAPIT’s long-standing mission to promote goodwill and trade between the two nations.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
