The Japanese and Chinese governments plan to hold annual meetings for their economic ministers to discuss energy and other bilateral economic issues, Japanese officials said Wednesday.
The governments are expected to reach an accord on the meetings, which were proposed by the Japanese side, this year, they said. The meetings are designed to enhance economic and political ties as agreed between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese leaders at talks in Beijing in October to develop reciprocal bilateral relations of a strategic nature, they said.
From Japan, Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Finance Minister Koji Omi and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari are expected to participate.
Specific topics for the annual meetings may include how to prevent production and sales of pirated products, China's development of alternative energy sources and its use of Japanese energy-saving technologies, they said.