China, Japan restart ruling party talks

The ruling parties of China and Japan met for the first time in six years Thursday.

Senior members of the Communist Party of China and Japan's ruling coalition, formed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner the Komeito party, gathered in Beijing for the fifth meeting under an exchange mechanism that was suspended as tensions peaked between the two sides.

The mechanism, established in 2006, has played an important role in improving bilateral relations, said Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the opening ceremony.

"Both sides need to grasp the main trend of the times, featuring peace, friendship and win-win cooperation, and match their development strategies," said Wang.

"China and Japan should properly handle their disputes to tap potential for cooperation and expand common interests."

The Japanese delegation is headed by Sadakazu Tanigaki and Yoshihisa Inoue, the LDP and Komeito's secretary generals.

China-Japan relations have been strained by historical and territorial disputes, particularly over the Diaoyu Islands. China has accused Japan of attempting to whitewash its aggression during World War II.