A delegation of Japanese business leaders will meet with Chinese officials in Beijing this week, including Premier Li Qiang on Thursday.

The Japan-China Economic Association is visiting China for the first time since 2019. Delegates include Japan Business Federation Chairman Tokura Masakazu, and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Kobayashi Ken. The two arrived in Beijing on Tuesday.

Tokura said the delegates hope to exchange opinions on cooperation for issues facing both countries including decarbonization and aging populations.

The National Development and Reform Commission, which is in charge of China's economic policies, is scheduled to meet the delegation on Wednesday.

The visit comes as China continues to suspend imports of Japanese fishery products in response to Japan's release of treated and diluted water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

Also, Beijing has yet to reinstate a measure to grant short-term visa exemptions to Japanese citizens. The program was suspended in response to the pandemic.