Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his willingness to improve ties with Japan, but reportedly stressed that matters involving Taiwan must be handled properly.

Xi met Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in the Thai capital Bangkok on Thursday. It was the first time in about three years for the leaders of Japan and China to meet in person.

Xi began the talks by saying that the importance of China-Japan relations has not and will not change. He said he wants to build bilateral ties that meet the demands of the new era.

State-run China Central Television said the president stressed that historical issues and matters involving Taiwan relate to the political foundation of China-Japan relations and must be handled appropriately, and promises need to be kept.

Xi also reportedly indicated his willingness to boost cooperation with Japan, primarily in the economic field.

He was quoted as emphasizing that the economies of China and Japan are highly dependent on each other and that attention should be paid to long-term and regional mutual interests.