Premier Wen Meets With Japanese PM

Premier Wen Jiabao and his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan had a conversation on Monday on the sidelines of the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting which is being held in the capital city of Belgium.

Wen reiterated that Diaoyu Islands have been Chinese territory since ancient times.

He pointed out that it serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples to protect and advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit.

The two sides agreed to step up people-to-people exchanges and communication between the governments, and hold a high level meeting at an appropriate time.

(China Daily October 5, 2010)