China and Japan on Wednesday held the 17th round of consultations under the High-level Consultation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs in Tokyo, pledging to properly manage differences and deepen pragmatic cooperation on maritime issues.

During the meeting, China elaborated its positions on issues concerning East China Sea, the Diaoyu Islands, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and maritime and airspace security.

Beijing urged Tokyo to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and security concerns, cease negative words and deeds in maritime issues, and take practical actions to promote the improvement and development of bilateral ties.

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Both sides agreed to continue to maintain close communication on maritime affairs, and committed to making positive efforts to turn the East China Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation, and friendship and facilitating the building of a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

The two sides also discussed specific areas of cooperation including defense security, maritime law enforcement and maritime search and rescue, confirming their willingness to enhance dialogue and exchanges and advance mutually beneficial cooperation.

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Both parties agreed in principle to hold the 18th round of consultations in China next year.