China, Japan hold key high-level political meet

China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi Thursday met with Shotaro Yachi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's key foreign-policy advisor, in Beijing, in what is believed to be the first high-level political dialogue between the two countries since relations have been strained. Yang told Yachi, head of Japan's National Security Council, that Japan should send clear and positive signals on historic issues, properly handle sensitive problems and implement policies that would help improve Sino-Japanese relations. Yang also voiced grave concerns over Japan's security bills, which were approved by the lower house on Thursday. He said China insists on developing Sino-Japanese relations based on four political documents and correct historic views. Yachi commented that bilateral relations have been improving and said he hopes the channel for political dialogue can remain open. Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported earlier that Yachi would talk about Abe's statement on WWII, expected to be released around August 15, during his visit and it was aimed at realizing a meeting between the two top leaders in early September.