Wang Yi, the director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addressed the pressing need for improved Sino-Japanese relations on Monday. His remarks came during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Beijing, attended by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.
Wang pointed out that in today’s volatile and interconnected international environment, China and Japan find themselves at a critical juncture in their relationship. He emphasized that a stable and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations is not only vital for their well-being but also indispensable for the broader Asian region and carries significant implications for global affairs.
“We should seize the 45th anniversary as an opportunity to recall the treaty’s original intent, uphold its consensus, and practice its principles to steer China-Japan relations back toward a path of sound development,” Wang remarked.
During the same day, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa delivered a speech at a reception in Tokyo, echoing the sentiments shared in Beijing.
Noting the shared responsibility of China and Japan for the future of Asia, Wang emphasized the importance of both nations aligning with the contemporary era’s demands, embracing genuine multilateralism, promoting open regionalism, and championing the Eastern philosophy of “harmony and coexistence.” He urged China and Japan to reject ideological confrontations and the notion of a “new Cold War,” instead injecting positive energy into regional peace and stability.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda expressed Japan’s willingness to collaborate with China in furthering the treaty’s objectives. He pledged to overcome challenges and make unwavering efforts to deepen peace, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations.
The commemorative reception was attended by approximately 200 representatives and jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association.
On the same day, Wang Yi, who also serves as China’s Foreign Minister, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 45th anniversary of the treaty’s signing.
Wang also met with a Japanese friendship delegation led by Yasuo Fukuda, stressing that current Sino-Japanese relations face intricate challenges and do not align with the interests of both nations. He urged the Japanese government to realign its China policy towards a more positive, pragmatic, and constructive track as soon as possible. Wang expressed hope that individuals from various sectors in Japan will continue to work tirelessly for the cause of China-Japan friendship.
Yasuo Fukuda emphasized the significance of bilateral relations and expressed Japan’s readiness to utilize the treaty’s 45th anniversary as an opportunity to maintain high-level exchanges with China and deepen cooperation, with the aim of fostering the sound development of their relations.
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