Chinese Premier Hosts Japanese Business Delegation to Boost Economic Cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a high-profile meeting on Tuesday with a Japanese business delegation headed by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT). The talks took place in Beijing, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between China and Japan amid evolving international circumstances.

During the meeting, Premier Li emphasized China's commitment to working closely with various sectors in Japan, stating that the two countries should continue to view each other as cooperative partners rather than threats. He called for both sides to strive for more tangible results in practical cooperation, while further consolidating the foundation of political trust and deepening people-to-people friendship.

Li expressed hope that Japan would join China in managing differences in a constructive way, underscoring the importance of maintaining the correct direction of bilateral relations. He noted that healthy and stable development in these relations is crucial not just for the two nations, but also for regional and global stability.

Highlighting the mutual advantages shared by China and Japan, Li pointed to areas of potential for deeper cooperation. He urged both countries to harness these unique strengths, promoting greater mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. Enhanced collaboration, he said, would provide momentum for each nation’s economic growth and make valuable contributions to the larger global economy.

Premier Li reaffirmed China’s determination to expand high-level opening up, extending a warm invitation to more foreign-funded enterprises, including Japanese businesses, to invest and grow in China. He encouraged JAPIT to continue playing an active role in fostering economic and trade cooperation, as well as in strengthening the bonds of friendship and trust between the two peoples.

Speaking at the meeting, Yohei Kono acknowledged the importance of increased communication and coordination between Japan and China, particularly against the backdrop of current international uncertainties. He emphasized both countries’ shared responsibility to collectively safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system.

Kono also highlighted JAPIT’s longstanding dedication to promoting Japan-China friendship. He affirmed the association’s willingness to broaden exchanges with China, enhance mutual understanding, and make positive contributions to deepening bilateral ties and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.

The meeting marks another step toward reinforcing the strategic partnership between two of Asia's largest economies, with both sides demonstrating a clear commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and shared prosperity.