Wang: People-to-people ties can deepen China-Japan relations

Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed the hope that insightful individuals and friendly organizations in Japan could continue to deepen the social foundation of China-Japan friendship and advance the sound and stable growth of bilateral ties.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang commended Kono for his long-standing dedication to promoting friendship between the two countries, even in times of difficulty and challenges.

He emphasized that promoting official relations through people-to-people engagement has been a proven and valuable approach to the development of bilateral relations, saying that it remains highly relevant under the current circumstances.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Wang said China attaches importance to the recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that Japan must remember the painful memory and lessons of history to ensure that it does not repeat past mistakes of war.

History must not be distorted, Wang said, adding that only by drawing lessons from the past, can countries open up the path to the future.

Kono said that history must not be forgotten or denied, and while the past cannot be changed, the future can be shaped through joint efforts.

He reaffirmed the JAPIT's commitment to promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening trilateral cooperation and cultural exchanges among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

They agreed on the importance of integrating industrial and supply chains to jointly address the challenges posed by de-globalization. They also stressed that the people of the three nations should enhance mutual understanding and friendship, and work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.