We start in Japan, where Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is on the third day of a visit aimed at strengthening ties. Li's trip is the first by a Chinese premier in eight years, and coincides with the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. CGTN's Christine Skull has the details.

A warm welcome for improved ties between China and Japan. On Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the peace and friendship treaty between the two nations. During the ceremony, Abe underscored the importance of cooperation between the world's second and third biggest economies. Then he offered a toast, with more than 2,000 people in attendance.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "There is nearly nothing left that is impossible if Japan and China can hold hands together. I'm confident that we can make greater contributions to resolving various regional and global issues."

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Under the current circumstances of a long-awaited recovery in the global economy, growing protectionism is rearing its head again. I believe Japan and China should further maintain multilateral trade, protect free trade, and fight protectionism to maintain the recovery momentum of the global economy."

Later on the same day, Premier Li Keqiang met with Japanese Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the monarch's main residence.

During the meeting, Premier Li said new progress and lasting stable development should be made in the bilateral relationship as it returns to the normal track.

The day before, the Chinese premier and the Japanese prime minister shared a toast to the two countries' renewed relations, after a round of bilateral meetings covering issues such as the DPRK's denuclearization and the strengthening of economic ties.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "In the last 40 years, our trade grew by leaps and bounds. Japanese investment in China now amounts to over one trillion yen, and there are over 30,000 factories that greatly contribute to Chinese employment. The number two and three economies in the world have ties that cannot be severed."

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Let us raise our glasses to the mutual benefit of our two nations and the renewal of the Sino-Japanese peace enterprise. Also, to the health of each and everyone of us. Cheers."

A toast to a bright and friendly future.