"The Chinese economy is inter-linked with the global economy. The measures taken by the Chinese government to ensure economic growth also provide new opportunities for other countries, including Japan," Li said.

He hoped China and Japan to open a new cooperative era by jointly overcoming the current difficulties and contributing to the recovery of the world economy.

Li Changchun (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Japanese Prime Minister and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Taro Aso in Tokyo, Japan, on March 30, 2009. [Xinhua Photo]

The spreading financial crisis has offered new chances for Japan and China to carry out higher-level cooperation, the Japanese Prime Minister said. The active measures adopted by China to stimulate its domestic demand are of significance for the recovery of the world economy, he said, adding that Japan was willing to enhance cooperation with China on the reform of international financial system and other regional and global issues.

Aso said the frequent high-level exchanges have quickened the paces for the improvement of bilateral ties and promoted the mutually beneficial cooperation. He also highly spoke of the various events held last year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

Li is the highest-ranking official who visits Japan this year. Besides Prime Minister Aso, he also met with leaders of political parties and senior executives of the Japanese business community.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2009)