Japan seeks China's help over abductions

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji chats with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia 2002 Annual Conference

(CNN) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will seek Beijing's help in settling allegations that North Korea abducted Japanese citizens, when he meets with Premier Zhu Rongji at the Boao Forum for Asia.

Koizumi, who will be in China for 3 days, will meet with Zhu Friday on the sidelines of the first annual Davos-style forum being held on Hainan Island in the south.

Japan claims that at least 11 nationals were abducted to North Korea in eight cases between 1977 and 1983, apparently for espionage training.

"I want to discuss with Premier Zhu Japan's stance of urging sincere measures from the North" in dealing with the cases, Koizumi told the Japanese press en route to China.

The abduction issue, steadfastly denied by North Korea, is the main stumbling block to a normalization of ties between the two countries.

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Following a recent visit to the North, South Korean envoy Lim Dong-won said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il wanted to start a dialogue with Japan, which would include talks over the Japanese nationals.

Lim was reported by the Reuters news agency as saying Kim told him: "We didn't kidnap anyone. You'd better use the term 'missing' -- we are ready to talk about those missing persons."

Koizumi said he would be trying to confirm Beijing's position regarding the abduction claims in his meeting with Zhu, which many fear may overshadow the forum as China attempts to reassure Japan that its economic emergence in the region poses no danger.

Koizumi will also try to win China's understanding about salvaging a suspected North Korean spy boat from the East China Sea.

The boat, which Tokyo suspects was engaged in drug-smuggling or spying, sank in China's exclusive economic zone after a firefight with the Japan Coast Guard last year.

Chinese leader Li Peng hinted, in a recent visit to Japan, that Beijing might cooperate with Japan's efforts to raise the vessel.