China and Japan should cooperate: vice-premier

China emphasized its common interests with Tokyo on Wednesday as Vice-Premier Wang Yang met representatives of a China-friendly non-governmental organization from Japan.

China and Japan wield great influence in Asia and around the world, the vice-premier told the visiting representatives of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade.

If they get along well with each other, both sides will benefit from the bilateral ties, but if the two fight with each other, both will be harmed, Wang said.

Yohei Kono, former speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives and head of the association, led the delegation, which began its China visit on Sunday. Satsuki Eda, former president of the House of Councilors and now head of the Japan-China Friendship Center, also joined the delegation, according to Chinese media.

Observers said the visit shows the willingness of Japanese nongovernmental and business circles to improve ties with China, but whether the deadlocked relations can be warmed depends on how sincere the Japanese government is.

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