Japan urged to build mutual trust with China and safeguard Asian unity

China's Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao said on Thursday he hopes China and Japan will build political mutual trust, deepen people-to-people exchanges, properly handle differences and disputes, and jointly safeguard Asian unity.

Speaking at an event marking the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wu said this year is an important milestone for both nations.

"In the context of the changing global landscape and with a focus on regional and global peace, stability, and development, we hope that both sides will take the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship as an opportunity to revisit the spirit of the treaty, abide by treaty obligations, … build political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen people-to-people exchanges, properly handle differences and disputes, and work diligently to construct China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era," Wu said.

"We also look forward to China and Japan, as important countries in Asia and the world, jointly safeguarding Asian unity, promoting regional development, and making positive contributions to the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large."

The treaty, in legal form, defines peace and friendship as the common goals and obligations of both parties. It sets forth a series of core principles, including enduring peace and friendship between China and Japan, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, and joint opposition to any country seeking hegemony.

During a gathering of distinguished Japanese and Chinese guests in Tokyo on Thursday, Wu said China will steadfastly deepen reform and opening-up.

"China's reform and opening-up is an ongoing process with no finish line. We will continue to advance deeper reforms and higher-level opening-up, creating a first-class business environment characterized by marketization, the rule of law, and internationalization … China will always welcome investors from countries, including Japan, with a proactive and open attitude, and we are committed to achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes," he said.

In addition, the world's second-largest economy will unwaveringly work toward building a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

As a practical platform for building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative also celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

China has signed cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations, leading to more than 3,000 cooperation projects in connection to the initiative.

It is estimated that by 2030, the BRI will bring about $1.6 trillion in annual benefits to the global economy and help lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty, Wu said.