VIENTIANE -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese Premier Li Qiang confirmed Thursday that their countries will promote a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests," even as Ishiba expressed concerns over China's military activity in waters around Japan.
The two leaders met here in the Laotian capital on the sidelines of a series of summits with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This marked Ishiba's first meeting with a top Chinese leader since taking office as prime minister on Oct. 1.
