Wang Yi says China-Japan ties should return to sound development track

China and Japan should bring their relations back to the track of sound development, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Monday in Beijing. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the event.

Wang pointed out that in the face of a volatile and intertwined international situation, China-Japan relations have once again stood at key crossroads. A stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan is vital to the two countries, indispensable to Asia and has important influence on the world.

“We should take the 45th anniversary as an opportunity to remember the original intention of the treaty, abide by the consensus of the treaty, practice the principles of the treaty, and bring China-Japan relations back to the track of sound development,” said Wang.

Noting that both China and Japan are Asian countries and bear responsibility for the future of the Asia, Wang said the two countries should follow the trend of the times, practice genuine multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and advocate the Eastern philosophy of “harmony and coexistence.”

China and Japan should oppose ideological confrontation and reject a “new Cold War,” and inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability, added Wang.

Yasuo Fukuda said Japan is willing to work with China to carry forward the purpose of the treaty, overcome difficulties and make unremitting efforts to deepen peace, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

About 200 representatives attended the reception jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association.

On the same day, Wang, also Chinese Foreign Minister, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa exchanged congratulatory message on the 45th anniversary of the signing of the treaty, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang also met with a Japanese friendship delegation led by Yasuo Fukuda on Monday.

Noting that the current China-Japan relations face complex challenges and are not in line with the interests of the two peoples, Wang urged the Japanese government to bring its China policy back to the positive, pragmatic and correct track as soon as possible.

Wang expressed hope that people from all walks of life in Japan will continue to make unremitting efforts for the cause of China-Japan friendship.

Stressing the importance of bilateral relations, Yasuo Fukuda said Japan is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the signing of the treaty as an opportunity to maintain high-level exchanges with China, and deepen cooperation to push for the sound development of bilateral relations.

(With input from Xinhua)