China, Japan commit to revitalize exchanges, deepen relations

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, on Tuesday, pledged to improve communication with China and comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit between the two countries.

During a plenary session of Japan’s House of Councillors, Ishiba highlighted the significance of enhancing communication with China across various sectors, aiming to reduce challenges and foster greater cooperation, Xinhua reported. He said both countries would collaborate to establish constructive and stable bilateral relations.

At the Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Tokyo on Jan 17, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao emphasized that 2024 has been a year of positive dialogue and exchanges, contributing to the growth of China-Japan bilateral relations. In November 2024, on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, top leaders from China and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensively advance the mutually beneficial strategic relationship.

On Jan 15, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with a delegation of Japan’s ruling coalition in Beijing, symbolizing the resumption of the ruling party exchange mechanism after nearly seven years, further solidifying bilateral relations, said Wu.

On Dec 25, Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Takeshi Iwaya jointly attended the second meeting of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, reaching a 10-point consensus to promote mutual visits and cultural and tourism cooperation.

“We must follow the correct direction set by the leaders of both countries, accelerating the establishment of a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. This will ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral ties and bring benefits to the people of both nations,” said Wu.

On Jan 7, Iwaya said at his first news conference this year that the top leaders of China and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensively advance a mutually beneficial relationship based on shared strategic interests.

In line with this policy, plans are underway to facilitate high-level communications and opportunities for mutual travel this year, as well as a potential visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the earliest appropriate time, Iwaya said.

China remains Japan’s largest trading partner, with over 13,000 Japanese companies operating in the country.  Iwaya emphasized Japan’s desire to advance its relationship with China in a constructive manner and promote people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

Xinhua contributed to this story.