BEIJING — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Aug 20, who was in Beijing to attend the upcoming ninth meeting of foreign ministers of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Wang said recently China and Japan saw the improvement of ties and the achievement should be cherished as it did not come easily. He called closer communication between the two sides to create necessary conditions and a good atmosphere for high-level political exchanges in the next stage.

Wang said the two sides should strengthen cooperation in the multilateral arena and jointly oppose all forms of protectionism and unilateralism.

He clarified China's principles and positions on sensitive issues between China and Japan, stressing that both sides should strengthen risk prevention and control, and handle differences in a constructive manner.

Kono said that Japan is willing to work closely with China to ensure positive results of high-level political exchanges in the next stage.

Wang also clarified China's opposition to the US attempt to deploy land-based intermediate-range missiles in the region. Kono reiterated that Japan will continue to adhere to the "purely defensive defense" strategy.

The meeting of the three countries' foreign ministers is scheduled for Aug 21.