B&R initiative boosts Sino-Japanese links

The 40th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship is expected to help the two countries improve their bilateral relationship by exploring potential cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, a white paper said.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China released the 2018 Japanese Business in China White Paper on Wednesday. It noted that an increasing number of Japanese companies have shown interest in the China-proposed initiative, saying it can boost regional interconnectivity and catalyze economic growth.

Yasuteru Hirai, the president of the chamber, said the initiative could motivate Japanese companies to seek greater business opportunities along the Belt and Road routes. Japan's own regional connectivity projects also complement the initiative and strengthen regional cooperation, he said.