Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Wednesday to closely work toward the shared goal of denuclearizing North Korea, with negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang having reached an impasse.
During their talks in Vladivostok on the sidelines of an annual international forum, Abe and Xi also agreed to accelerate arrangements for Abe's planned visit to China next month, Abe told reporters.
Abe said Xi welcomed his planned visit amid improving bilateral relations as the two countries mark this year the 40th anniversary of a bilateral peace and friendship treaty. Japan-China ties have often been strained due to issues related to territory and wartime history.