Beijing, August 19th—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the New Komeito Party of Japan.

Song said that the current China-Japan relations have shown positive improvement. The recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G20 Osaka Summit injected new impetus into the development of bilateral relations in the new era. It is in the interest of the two peoples and the expectation of the world for China and Japan to strengthen friendly cooperation. The ruling parties of the two countries should give full play to the political leading role, push the two sides to build the new consensus on friendship from generation to generation, abide by the four political documents between China and Japan, consolidate the political foundation of China-Japan friendship, strengthen cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, properly handle differences and ensure the stable and sound development of China-Japan relations.

Natsuo Yamaguchi said the New Komeito Party is committed to strengthening Japan-China friendship and is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in Osaka, promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and push for greater development of Japan-China relations in the new era.

Song also introduced his views on the situation in Hong Kong, stressing that the Central Government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR government in dealing with violent and illegal activities in a strict manner in accordance with law to end violence and restore order. There are many Japanese businesses and people living in Hong Kong. It is in the interests of all parties including Japan that Hong Kong maintains stability and prosperity. We hope that the Japanese side will take an objective and fair position on the Hong Kong issue.

Wang Yajun, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

Enditem