CHINA-JAPAN
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In the first official bilateral contact since Shinzo Abe took over as Prime Minister of Japan in December 2012, the former leader of the New Komeito Party and Japan's Transport Minister, Akihiro Ota, arrived in Beijing on June 27, 2014, and met Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong the same day in the Great Hall of the People to discuss bilateral relations that have been badly damaged over territorial and historical issues. Beijing has seemingly slowly started softening its stance toward Tokyo in recent months, saying it is open to promoting exchanges with Japanese political parties, companies and local government officials, but not toned down its harsh rhetoric against Abe.
CCP CC Politburo Member Liu Yandong said:"China is placing a great deal of importance on the New Komeito party. Although bilateral relations are in an extremely difficult situation, the minister's visit to China has extraordinary significance."
During his 2-day visit, Ota is scheduled to meet Li Xiaolin, head of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Shao Qiwei, head of the National Tourism Administration and former State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, who now leads the China-Japan Friendship Association.
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