Liu Jianchao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met with a delegation from the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union, led by Chairman of the union and Secretary-General of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Hiroshi Moriyama on Monday in Beijing, according to the IDCPC on Tuesday.
Both China and Japan should jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, strengthen exchanges and dialogue and achieve lasting friendship between the two nations, said Liu.

Since the end of World War II, Asian countries have adhered to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, handling disputes in an “Asian way,” and maintaining overall peace in Asia, thereby creating a favorable environment for the development of all countries, said Liu. 

Amid a complex and changing international situation, China and Japan should advocate for unity and cooperation, seek development opportunities, and work together to address common challenges. Unilateralism and protectionism harm the common interests of all countries. As major economies in the world, China and Japan should uphold openness and inclusiveness, and jointly safeguard the global free trade system, Liu noted.

The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union is an important cross-party organization in Japan that promotes friendly relations with China. It is committed to fostering a correct understanding of China among various sectors in Japan which contributes to the development of bilateral relations, said Liu. 

Hopefully the union will carry forward its fine traditions and make efforts to enhance mutual understanding and trust between China and Japan, as well as to maintain peace and development in Asia and the world. The CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with all political parties in Japan through mechanisms such as the China-Japan ruling party exchange mechanism, and to enhance communication and exchanges with various sectors, according to Liu.

Hiroshi Moriyama said that in the current situation, it is very important for Japan and China to strengthen exchanges and establish strong dialogue channels. The union is willing to promote exchanges among the youths, women and local communities of both countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust. The Japanese side is highly concerned about the current global economic situation and will continue to commit to maintaining a rules-based, free and open international trade system, said Hiroshi Moriyama, according to the IDCPC.

On Monday, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanming also met with the delegation. 

Yang welcomed the delegation and praised the union for its efforts to improve and develop relations between the two countries, stating that the current situation of China-Japan relations is at a critical period for improvement and development.

Yang said the association is willing to work with the union to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, expand dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, improve the public opinion foundation, and promote China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in the right direction.

The cross-party group of China-friendly Japanese lawmakers on Monday asked China to lease more giant pandas to the neighboring country, the head of the delegation told reporters, as four pandas currently at a western Japan zoo will return to China around late June, the Mainichi reported.