Premier Li Keqiang greets Shotaro Yachi, visiting head of Japan's National Security Council, in Beijing on Friday. Wu Zhiyi / China Daily

Premier says relations are facing challenges and opportunities

Premier Li Keqiang told Japan on Friday that it must keep its word on issues related to wartime history and handle differences in a responsible manner.

He was speaking after the lower house of Japan's parliament approved security bills designed to expand the role of the country's Self-Defense Forces. The bills will now be considered by the upper house.

Li made the remarks while meeting in Beijing with Shotaro Yachi, head of Japan's National Security Council and a key adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Yachi told Li that Japan will face up to historical issues, handle differences in a proper way and stick to the path of peace and development, according to a statement released after the meeting.

Li said that, despite a wish to improve ties, China's relations with Japan remain sensitive and complicated.

"The relationship is facing both opportunities and challenges," Li said.

Li urged Japan to seriously address the concerns of Asian countries that suffered during World War II and handle related issues with a sense of responsibility.

Last year, before a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the two sides reached a four-point consensus to improve bilateral ties. They agreed to resume political, diplomatic and security dialogues while acknowledging their different positions on the Diaoyu Islands.

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