Beijing, April 22nd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Komeito Party of Japan led by Tetsuo Saito, Leader of the Komeito Party of Japan. 

Liu said, in November last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a successful meeting in Lima, where they had in-depth discussions on the direction and strategic issues of  China-Japan relations, providing important political guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, abide by the principles enshrined in the four political documents between China and Japan, promote China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way, jointly address common challenges, and contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world. 

Liu said, ensuring the ever-lasting friendship between China and Japan is the common responsibility of the political parties of the two countries. The ruling parties of the two countries should have the courage to take on responsibilities, conduct in-depth exchanges of views on the future development of bilateral relations from a historical depth and a broader perspective, and play a leading role in setting the direction. China appreciates the Komeito Party's historic contributions to promoting China-Japan relations. The CPC is willing to work with the Komeito Party to give full play to the role of the exchange mechanism between the ruling parties of the two countries, conduct in-depth and candid political dialogues, implement such important common understandings as the two countries should "be partners, not threats", manage differences constructively, and enhance political mutual trust between the two countries. 

Tetsuo Saito said, since Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's meeting with President Xi Jinping in Lima last year, a series of high-level exchanges have been held between China and Japan, the exchange mechanism between the ruling parties of the two countries has been restarted, and the two sides have become increasingly close. At the same time, there is still much space for improvement and development in Japan-China relations. Japan-China friendship is not only crucial for the two countries but also for peace in Asia. Since its establishment, the Komeito Party has always adhered to the founder Daisaku Ikeda's vision of promoting friendship between China and Japan and is committed to passing on this spirit. The Komeito Party is willing to have candid dialogues with the CPC, enhance mutual trust, and foster friendly feelings among the people of the two countries. The Komeito Party firmly upholds the spirit of Japan's pacifist constitution and adheres to the position stated in the Japan-China Joint Statement in 1972 on the historical issues and the Taiwan question. 

The two sides also exchanged in depth views on issues of common concern. 

Zhao Shitong, Assistant-minister of the IDCPC, Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese Ambassador to China, Toshiko Takeya, the acting leader of the Komeito Party, Akira Hirabayashi, Vice Director of International Affairs Bureau of the Komeito Party, and others were present.