Japanese scholars call on gov't to participate in Belt and Road Initiative coope ...

A group of Japanese scholars on Thursday called upon the government to actively cooperate with China on the Belt and Road Initiative and to fully grasp the good opportunities brought by the initiative.[Special coverage]

Makoto Taniguchi, former Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations, told reporters at the Japan National Press Club on behalf of the scholars from Japan-China Relations Research Institute that they have submitted a petition to the government in joint names about the initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative, though a concept a couple of years ago, is becoming reality now. The initiative would create an enormous economic circle, said Taniguchi.

"Japan shall cooperate with China to push forward the Belt and Road Initiative, which would benefit not only Japan, but also Asia and even the world," he said.

China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing from May 14 to 15, and Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is to attend the forum.

"We are glad that Nikai is to visit China and to attend the forum. We hope our government could use this opportunity to actively participate in cooperation surrounding the Belt and Road Initiative and to enhance its relations with China and other countries in the world," said Taniguchi.

He also called on Japan to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as soon as possible.

"Most of the major countries in the world have joined the AIIB. Japan joining the AIIB would benefit regional development as well as its relationship with China," he said.