China Diplomat Calls Beijing Talks Big Step for Japan Ties
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Japan’s national security adviser met China’s top foreign policy official for talks they called a step toward improving ties strained by a territorial dispute and suspicions about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to shake off his country’s pacifist constraints.
The meeting between State Councilor Yang Jiechi and National Security Adviser Shotaro Yachi took place Thursday in Beijing, hours after Japan’s lower house of parliament approved bills to expand the role of the country’s military. Yang, China’s top diplomat, suggested the exchange could pave the way for similar talks in the future.