Visiting Chinese legislator Li Peng on Saturday suggested that he is optimistic about the future of Japan-China relations and emphasized the importance of long-term bilateral exchanges.
Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, expressed his views in an exclusive interview with the Kitanippon Press, a member of the Kyodo news organization based in Toyama Prefecture.
Li said the two nations may encounter difficulties on the path to closer ties because they are so different, but added that he believes they should be able to overcome any obstacles.
"Even in such cases, the two nations can solve any problems with effort and foresight," said Li, adding that it is important for the two nations to continue exchanges over the longer term.