On August 11, 2003, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi.

Li said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese treaty of peace and friendship. The treaty established a solid political fundament for development of bilateral relations. The new government in China attaches importance to relations with Japan. At present, the mainstream of China-Japan relations is good, with close bilateral high-level and government exchanges, strengthened economic and trade cooperation, and active people-to-people exchanges. Bilateral coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs have been increasingly strengthened.

Li spoke highly of the determination of the Japanese government, especially Koizumi, to adhere to the peaceful constitution and the road of peace and development. Koizumi specifically noted in Lugou Bridge during his visit to China that there will be no war between Japan and China. History should not be a burden, but source of wisdom and strength so as to face the future and promote the sound development of bilateral relations.

Koizumi spoke positively of the momentum of Japan-China relations, and noted that Japan would hold history as mirror and develop Japan-China friendly relations and cooperation oriented towards the future, which is also the consensus between Japan and China. Koizumi said that China’s development is an opportunity, rather than threat to Japan, which he reiterated on various occasions. Japan and China share broad common interests and expanding areas of cooperation. It is hoped that Japan and China will take the opportunity of the 25th anniversary of the Treaty to further strengthen and expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation and push bilateral relations forward.

Li expounded the principled position on the DPRK nuclear issue, briefed Koizumi on China’s progress in making preparations for the six-party talks, and welcomed Japan’s constructive role. Koizumi and Kawaguchi thanked and spoke highly of China’s efforts in peacefully solving the DPRK nuclear issue. Both sides agree that the nuclear issue should be solved peacefully through dialogue, the peninsula de-nuclearized and the DPRK’s security concerns addressed.

During the meeting with Kawaguchi, Li said that the recent leaking of chemical weapons left over by Japanese invading army during the Second World War in Qiqihar City, China, has caused severe injuries, and concerns the health, safety and feelings of the Chinese people. The Japanese side should attach great importance, shoulder the responsibility and properly handle the matter. Kawaguchi expressed sympathy for victims in the case and responded that the Japanese government will pay serious attention to the matter, closely cooperate with the Chinese side with a sincere attitude and properly handle it.

Li met with Tetsuzo Fuwa, Chairman of the Japanese Communist Party's Central Committee, and Shii Kazuo, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair, and held a press conference at Japan National Press Club. Li took questions on China-Japan relations, the DPRK nuclear issue, and whether the RMB would appreciate. He also had an exclusive interview with NHK and Tokyo Shimbun.