Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday called on Japan to honor its promise and handle historical issues in an appropriate way.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L) holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso (4th R) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 29, 2009. [Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

In talks lasting more than two hours with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso in the Great Hall of the People, Wen said historical issues were highly sensitive and affected people's feelings.

He called on governments and political figures on both sides to stick to the principles of the four China-Japan political documents, and make unremitting efforts to push forward bilateral ties.

China was willing to cooperate with Japan to expand youth and non-governmental exchanges, to boost understanding between the two peoples, Wen said.

Aso told Wen Japan's stance on historical issues was fully reflected in the official statements by Japanese prime ministers in 1995 and 2005. The main spirit in the statements is facing up to history and looking into the future.

That stance has not changed, he said.

Japan was willing to properly handle existing problems in Japan-China ties and enhance political trust, he said.

Aso called for closer youth exchanges through the mechanisms including dialogue among youth economic elites to foster affection between the two peoples.

China-Japan ties had maintained positive growth momentum, Wen said, adding the hard-won situation should be treasured by both sides.

The two premiers also covered other important issues including the global economic downturn, swine flu and regional security.

It is Aso's third meeting with the Chinese state leaders in a month, following his meetings with President Hu Jintao in London and with Wen Jiabao in Pattaya, Thailand.

Aso arrived in Beijing earlier Wednesday for a two-day China tour, his first official visit to China since he took office in September.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2009)