Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, on March 23 met with representatives from seven Japan-China friendship groups, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation amid global uncertainties.

Noting the increasing instability in the international situation, Wang emphasized that China is determined to shoulder its responsibilities as a major power, work together with other nations to safeguard peace and security in Asia, and promote human development and progress.

As close neighbors and two major global economies, China and Japan must reassess the value of their relationship, reaffirm the significance of their friendship, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and consolidate the strength of friendly people-to-people ties to promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-Japan relations, Wang said.

While acknowledging the long-term dedication of the seven friendship groups in advancing bilateral friendship, Wang urged them to press forward in the direction of peaceful and friendly cooperation to make new contributions to safeguarding the fundamental interests of both peoples.

He outlined three key areas for strengthening ties, including maintaining the political foundation, enhancing dialogue and exchanges across various sectors, and cultivating successors for China-Japan friendship.

The China-Japan Joint Statement must be strictly observed, with particular emphasis on properly handling historical issues and the Taiwan question, and resisting any distortions, falsifications, or actions that undermine the foundation, Wang stressed.

He also called for encouraging the younger generation to participate actively in friendship initiatives, ensuring the legacy of bilateral cooperation is carried forward.

Attending the meeting were Hiroshi Moriyama, chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union and secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, President of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade Yohei Kono, as well as leaders of other friendship groups.

Representatives from the groups emphasized the critical importance of China-Japan friendship for both nations and their peoples, pledging efforts to continue fostering exchanges at local and youth levels and further strengthen the bond between the peoples of China and Japan.