Beijing ? Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said today that trade and economic talks aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbors have been successful so far.

Wen met with Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura as part of weekend discussions that bring together the largest number of Cabinet officials from the two countries since they opened diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

The talks, modeled after similar dialogues China holds with the United States and the European Union, mark of the Asian powers’ new willingness to move beyond the divisive disputes over a gas field and other territory, and the tense rivalry for regional influence that chilled relations over the past decade.

So far, two modest agreements have been struck. One was a $420 million Japanese loan to China to fund six environmental projects, and the other a treaty to allow the countries’ police and prosecutors to work directly on criminal extradition.