Chinese Premier Li Xiang has expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral economic ties with Japan.

He also voiced concern over Japan's plan to implement stricter export controls on chipmaking equipment, starting later this month.

Li expressed the views on Wednesday to a visiting Japanese delegation led by former Lower House speaker Kono Yohei.

Some 80 members of the mission from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade met Li in Beijing.

The group's secretariat quoted Li as saying China and Japan need to unite to jointly overcome difficulties.

The comment is likely aimed at bringing in more investment from Japan as the Chinese economy slows.

Li also referred to Japan's new export control measures for equipment to manufacture advanced semiconductors. He said the move could disrupt the global economy.

He also gave assurances that China's development will not pose risks for Japan.

Kono asked Li not to discourage people who want economic exchanges with China. He was apparently referring to China's revised anti-espionage law, which took effect on Saturday, as well as the case of an employee of a major Japanese drugmaker who was detained by Chinese authorities this year.