Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday urged Japan to adhere to a policy of peaceful development during his meeting with Shotaro Yachi, head of Japan's National Security Council.

Yachi is visiting Beijing from Thursday to Saturday for the first China-Japan high-level political dialogue.

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan also held talks with Yachi Friday, expressing concern over the security bills passed by Japan's lower house of parliament that will expand the role of the self-defense forces (SDF).

He said the passage of the bills Thursday is an "unprecedented move" for Japan's military in the postwar era, which will have a complicated influence on regional security and strategic stability.

Japan's ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday rammed through a series of controversial security bills in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

The bills will enable Japan's SDF to engage in armed conflict overseas alongside allies and help defend others even if Japan is not attacked.

Li said Japan should continue to adhere to a policy of peaceful development and play an appropriate role in regional peace, stability and development.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, said Li, adding that China-Japan relations are faced with both challenges and opportunities.

Although both sides have a desire to improve bilateral ties, the relations are still sensitive and complex, he added. He hoped that Japan will focus on the big picture, keep its commitments on historical issues, treat seriously the concerns of the victimized countries in Asia and properly handle relevant issues with a responsible attitude.

Yachi said the first high-level political dialogue between the two countries had made progress.

Prior to the Xi-Abe meeting in November 2014, the two sides agreed to improve bilateral ties, resume political, diplomatic and security dialogues while acknowledging different positions on the Diaoyu Islands.

He agreed with Li that there are both opportunities and problems existing in bilateral ties.

He said Japan will adhere to the path of peaceful development and is willing to proceed from the overall interest of bilateral ties to face up to historical issues, maintain dialogue with China, and properly handle the differences.