Chinese president Xi Jinping and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe agreed on 5 September to resume discussions on a defence hotline to ensure that minor incidents in disputed airspace and waters do not escalate into more serious clashes, Kyodo news agency reported.
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“Although the time for this summit was limited, we could hold deep talks”, Abe told reporters afterward.
“(The talks) went very well.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences for the victims and their family members and also I would like to reiterate my feelings of sympathy for you”, said the Japanese leader.
He mentioned that the two countries are strategic partners who share common values of mutual respect, cooperation and adherence to the rule of law.
The President cited Japan’s significant role in the development of the Philippines, most especially in the President’s home, Mindanao. The leaders are also expected to discuss investment and other economic cooperation, the report said.
Abe reiterated his commitment to further promote regional peace and stability, cooperate in counter-terrorism measures, and continue the regular and productive tradition of high-level exchanges.
Beijing insists it has sovereign rights to nearly all of the strategically vital waters, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims.
“The TPP was agreed after clearing political hurdles”, Abe said.
Abella said the two leaders merely discussed “general terms”.
Japan’s dispute with China is over uninhabited islands in the East China sea, known as the Senkakus in Tokyo and as the Diaoyus in Beijing.
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Like Abe, Dung and Lee also invited Duterte to visit their respective countries.
