BEIJING — Xu Qiliang, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono on Dec 18 in Beijing.

China would like to work with Japan to jointly safeguard international and regional peace and stability, and turn the political consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries into specific policies and concrete actions, said Xu.

Taro Kono said Japan attaches importance to developing its relations with China and is ready to continuously improve defense exchanges and cooperation with China.

State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe held talks with Taro Kono on Dec 18.

Wei said the two countries should properly manage their differences, and actively work to establish constructive bilateral security relations.

Japan is ready to have candid communication with China to enhance mutual trust, said Taro Kono.