Beijing: China-Japan relations are in a critical period of improvement and development, as the current international and regional situations face changes and turbulence, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. As close neighbors and important countries in Asia and the world, the relationship between China and Japan holds significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, Xi said while meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Xi noted that China is willing to work with Japan, in accordance with the principles and directions established in the four political documents between China and Japan, to uphold the important consensus that the two countries should “be partners, not threats.” He emphasized the need to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and endeavor to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
Xi stressed t
hat China’s development is an opportunity for the world, particularly for neighboring countries like Japan. He expressed hope that Japan will work with China to develop a correct mutual understanding, steer the bilateral relationship in the right direction from a strategic perspective, and translate the important political consensus reached by both sides into concrete policies and actions.
He urged the Japanese side to face history squarely, look to the future, and properly handle major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan. Xi emphasized the importance of managing differences in a constructive manner and maintaining the political foundation of bilateral relations.
Xi suggested that both sides should deepen and expand cultural and local exchanges to promote mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, especially the younger generation. He highlighted the deep integration of China’s and Japan’s economic interests and production and supply chains, emphasizing the need for mutual bene
fit and win-win cooperation to safeguard the global free trade system and maintain stable and smooth production and supply chains.
Furthermore, Xi called on the two countries to strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, practice true multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and jointly address global challenges.