Stable ties will help China and Japan to address regional issues

Japanese political heavyweights have been visiting Beijing of late to lay the groundwork for Shinzo Abe's first official trip to China during his second term as Japan's prime minister.

Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, paid a visit to Beijing on Aug 29. Vice-President Wang Qishan told the LDP's No. 2 leader that China was ready to work with Japan to inject more positive energy into bilateral relations.

After his trip to Beijing late last month, Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba said he had made arrangements with Chinese officials "in an active manner" for Abe's visit to China.