In a sign of renewed diplomatic energy, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, sat down with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), on Wednesday in Beijing. The discussion underscored the power of history and people-to-people exchanges in driving future cooperation.
Wang expressed deep appreciation for Kono’s long-term commitment to China-Japan friendship. He stressed that "People-to-people exchanges are crucial in today’s complex global landscape," highlighting how grassroots connections can pave the way for stronger economic and cultural bonds.
On the topic of historical lessons, Wang welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent statement urging Japan to draw profound lessons from history and steer clear of aggression. "History cannot be tampered with," Wang noted. "Only by learning from history can both sides truly open up the future."
Echoing that sentiment, Kono pointed out that while the past is fixed, the future remains unwritten. "History should not be forgotten, nor should it be denied," he said. "The past cannot be changed, but the future can be created through present efforts."
Wrapping up the meeting, Kono reiterated JAPIT’s commitment to promoting friendly cooperation between Japan and the Chinese mainland, signaling a shared vision for sustained trade and diplomatic engagement. Observers see this exchange as a step toward deepening ties that blend economic interests with cultural and interpersonal connections.
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China's top diplomat meets Japanese trade association president
cgtn.com
