China Calls Talks With Japan Successful

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BEIJING — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday that trade and economic talks aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbors have been successful so far.

Wen met with Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura as part of weekend discussions which bring together the largest number of Cabinet officials from the two countries since they opened diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

The talks, modeled after similar dialogues China holds with the United States and the European Union, mark of the Asian powers' new willingness to move beyond the divisive disputes over a gas field and other territory, and the tense rivalry for regional influence that chilled relations over the past decade.

"I believe the summit has been successful," Wen told Komura at the Zhongnanhai compound, where Chinese leaders live and work.

"It's clear China and Japan relations have taken another step forward, especially in the areas of trade and commerce," Wen said. "I wish to extend my congratulations to all of you.'"

Komura said there had been "meaningful discussions" on Saturday, when the talks began.

"We believe we can cooperate in coming up with an appropriate joint statement for both the Chinese people and the Japanese people, as well as a message for the world," he said.

So far, two modest agreements have been struck. One was a $420 million Japanese loan to China to fund six environmental projects, and the other a treaty to allow the countries' police and prosecutors to work directly on criminal extradition.

However, no breakthroughs have been reported on Japan's chief issue, China's exploitation of a gas field that straddles a contested part of the East China Sea.

At Saturday's meetings between foreign ministers, the two sides agreed to more exchanges among the countries' militaries and defense officials, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mitsuo Sakaba told reporters.

They also tried to settle dates for an upcoming visit to China by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and a reciprocal trip to Japan by Chinese President Hu Jintao, perhaps during the cherry blossom season in April, he said.

Also on the agenda were macro-economic policies, disputes over the value of the Chinese yuan, cooperation on energy and the environment, investment policies and world trade talks, officials from both sides have said.

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