China and Japan displayed a united front on "free and fair" trade as leaders of Asia’s two biggest economies met Friday in Beijing. The visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, along with hundreds of Japanese businessmen, took place against the backdrop of the festering trade dispute
China and Japan displayed a united front on “free and fair” trade as leaders of Asia’s two biggest economies met Friday in Beijing.
The visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, along with hundreds of Japanese businessmen, took place against the backdrop of the festering trade dispute between China and the U. S. that has resulted in both sides imposing billions of dollars in tariffs on each other’s exports.
“I believe we need to take to a new level a free and fair trade system,” Abe said after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two sides signed a slew of agreements, including a currency swap deal and plans to work together in other markets.
The demonstration of unity was underlined by the nearly 1,000 business representatives who traveled to Beijing from Japan. China’s Premier Li Keqiang said they had signed 500 agreements worth $18 billion.
“This indicates our cooperation has great potential and a promising prospect,” he said. “As countries with great influence in the region and the world, we should safeguard free trade.”
Li said the two sides should work on regional free trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which does not include the U.
