Beijing, July 10th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Yukio Hatoyama, former Japanese Prime Minister.  

Liu said, since President Xi Jinping's meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Lima last November, China-Japan relations have embarked on a course of improvement and development. Exchanges and cooperation across various fields have grown increasingly active, which is a hard-won achievement. China is willing to enhance dialogue and communication at all levels with Japan, promote the establishment of a correct strategic perception, continue to make good use of the exchange mechanisms between the ruling parties, expand friendly people-to-people exchanges, and continuously promote the improvement and development of bilateral relations. In this changing and turbulent world, unilateralism, isolationism and protectionism are rising, posing challenges to all countries, including China and Japan. Both China and Japan have benefited from the post-war international order and multilateralism. The two sides should adhere to opening-up, cooperation and true multilateralism, and jointly maintain regional peace and development, which is in line with the common expectations of regional countries. China has always adhered to independence and reform and opening-up. China welcomes Japan’s continued participation in sharing China’s development opportunities. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We should bear in mind the history and forge lasting peace. 

Yukio Hatoyama thanked China for inviting him to attend the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, saying that the world is currently in turmoil. Japan and China, as two important countries in the world and the region, should engage in candid communication on issues such as economy, trade and security. Over the past four decades, China has achieved tremendous economic development. Japan and China should adhere to opening-up and cooperation and share development opportunities. People-to-people exchanges are crucial for improving the sentiments between the two peoples. Japan is willing to further promote friendly exchanges between the two peoples. Japan must face up to history and make a profound reflection on its aggression.  

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues.