Aso said that Japan welcomes the momentum of improvement rising in the Japan-China relations, and hopes the two sides will join hands in building strategic relationship of mutual benefit by increasing high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation in such areas as economics, trade, human resources, culture and environmental protection.

    With regard to the historical issue and the Taiwan issue, Aso said that Japan will stick to the principles expounded by the three political documents. This position will remain unchanged, he added.

    The two ministers also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

    During the meeting between Li and Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, the two highly appreciated Sino-Philippine relations, saying that both sides are willing to strengthen cooperation in various areas.

    The two ministers also promised to join efforts to promote cooperation between China and ASEAN, and between ASEAN on the one side and China, Japan and South Korea on the other.

    On another occasion, Li met with Lim Jock Seng, Foreign Minister II of Brunei Darussalam, to discuss the strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.