Beijing, January 14th—Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met here today with a delegation of ruling parties of Japan led by Hiroshi Moriyama, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party and Makoto Nishida, Secretary General of the Komeito Party of Japan.
Wang said, China and Japan are close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation in various fields serves the interests of both sides. Last November, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Lima, and had in-depth communication on the strategic direction of China-Japan relations. They reached important consensus on promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way and building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era. At present, China-Japan relations are facing an important opportunity for improvement and development. The ruling parties of the two countries should stand at the forefront of promoting China-Japan relations. It is hoped that the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party of Japan will play an active role in this regard.
Wang noted, for the sustainable development of China-Japan relations, both sides need to make clear the direction of joint efforts first, which is promoting China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way. Second, both sides must consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations and abide by the principles enshrined in the four political documents between China and Japan. Third, both sides must adhere to the correct understanding that the two countries should "be partners, not threats", and stop hyping up the so called "unprecedented challenges". This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. All parties are concerned about Japan's attitude towards history and the Taiwan question. It is hoped that Japan will adhere to the "Murayama Statement" that expressed reflection and apology for history and the position of successive cabinets, continue to follow the path of peaceful development, remain unwavering, do not turn back the wheel of history, truly learn from history and open up the future with China.
Wang expressed, as long as both sides have a clear direction, a solid foundation and a correct understanding, both sides can properly handle various existing and potential problems and unsolved issues through dialogue and consultation, and ensure that China-Japan relations enter a track of healthy and stable development.
The Japanese side said, the leaders of Japan and China reached important consensus during the meeting in Lima at the end of last year. The current political exchanges between the two sides are becoming increasingly active. The restart of the exchange mechanism between the ruling parties of Japan and China after a lapse of nearly seven years, in particular, carries far-reaching significance. The Japanese side is willing to work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, abide by the commitments made so far, and especially adhere to the principles in the joint statement and the joint communique between the two countries and never waver. The two sides should strengthen dialogue between the ruling parties, promote exchanges in various fields such as economy and culture, intensify youth exchanges, promote practical cooperation in various fields for concrete results, enhance the momentum of improvement and development of Japan-China relations, and jointly shoulder important responsibilities for regional and world peace and stability.
The Japanese side also expressed condolences and sympathy for the heavy casualties and property losses caused by the earthquake which jolted Dingri County in China's Xizang. And Wang Yi expressed gratitude to the Japanese side.