In another sign of improving bilateral relations, Japan and China will pursue cooperation in developing advanced technologies in areas such as self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, sources close to the matter said Sunday.
The two countries are planning to launch an "innovation dialogue" involving officials and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to reach an agreement when he visits China next month, the sources said. The dialogue will help to enhance Asia's largest economies, both facing the threat of higher U.S. trade tariffs.
Tokyo is now arranging for Abe to arrive in Beijing on Oct. 23, when the countries will mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of a bilateral peace and friendship treaty, according to the sources. During a three-day visit, Abe will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.