Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan answers questions at a press conference on opening up on all fronts and promoting high quality development of commercial business on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes Japan's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said here Sunday.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is open, inclusive and transparent," Zhong said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session.

Noting that Japan has been paying close attention to issues related to Belt and Road Initiative, Zhong said China is willing to cooperate with Japan within the Belt and Road framework.