Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Japan's National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi, who came to China to attend the first China-Japan high-level political dialogue, in Beijing, July 17, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Li added, "The Chinese government pays close attention to its relations with Japan and is willing to expand bilateral ties based on the four-point agreement."

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the visit by Yachi is a step forward for efforts to improve bilateral ties. However, he said, it would be unrealistic to expect relations to return to a normal level after a single trip.

Yachi visited Beijing to co-host the First China-Japan High-Level Political Dialogue with State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Before his talks with the premier, Yachi met with Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, who expressed concern over Japan's security bills.

Chang said the passing of the bills by the lower house is an "unprecedented move" for Japan's military in the period since the end of World War II. The issue will have a "complicated" influence on regional security and strategic stability, he added.

He urged the Japanese to learn from history, respect the major security concerns of its neighbors and avoid harming regional peace and stability.

Japan's The Nikkei and Mainichi Shimbun newspapers reported that Abe is considering visiting China around the time of the Sept 3 ceremony in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn

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