Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Hu Jintao have both pledged to heal damaged ties.
Last Update: Monday, October 9, 2006. 6:27am (AEST)

China hails Japan visit as 'turning point'

Japan and China have hailed the first leadership summit in five years as a turning point in their relationship.

Less than two weeks into his term, Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has met with China's top three leaders in Beijing, including his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao.

China has agreed to a future summit in Japan.

Mr Abe moved to defuse Chinese anger over Japan's recognition of war-time atrocities.

At a press conference Mr Abe expressed remorse over what he called the tremendous damage and suffering Japan caused to people, especially in Asia.

Chinese President Hu Jintao called the visit a turning point.

"Your visit is the first one by a Japanese Prime Minister in the past five years," he said.

"I hope your visit will become a new starting point in the improvement and development of the relationship between the two countries."

On the issue of North Korea's threat to test a nuclear bomb, Mr Abe said the two countries were united and would never tolerate a nuclear test by North Korea.

He suggested Japan would seek to have the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution that paves the way for tough action against North Korea and a possible use of force if Pyongyang conducts a nuclear test.

-ABC/Kyodo