Chinese VP meets former Japanese PM

BEIJING, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao met with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Saturday.

Noting that bilateral relations are facing grave difficulties, Li called on the two sides to squarely face reality and properly deal with problems in their relations.

He said he hopes the Japanese side will learn from the past and stick to a path of peaceful development.

He also called on Japan to make joint efforts with China to promote the improvement of bilateral ties.

Hatoyama underscored the importance of bilateral relations, calling on the two sides to resolve their problems through dialogue.

He said both countries should enhance cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and energy.

During his visit, Hatoyama also attended the fourth Kubuqi International Desert Forum, which kicked off on Friday in the Kubuqi Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.