On August 12, 2003, Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met separately with Kan Naoto, head of the Democratic Party of Japan, Komei Party leader Kanzaki Takenori, Social Democratic Party leader Takako Doi, as well as the secretary-generals of the ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party.

Li praised the efforts of the Japanese parties in promoting the Sino-Japanese friendship and common development, pointing out that peaceful coexistence and friendly exchanges between the two countries are a common aspiration of the two peoples and are also important to peace and stability of the region and the world at large. Noting the two countries enjoy good cooperation in the political and economic fields and in international affairs, Li said the two nations share a wider range of common interests despite their differences over some issues. He hoped that the two sides would work together and seize the opportunity to properly handle the existing problems between them so as to give a fresh impetus to the development of bilateral ties.

Li said the unfortunate history happened between the two countries should not become a burden. It is understandable that ordinary Japanese mourn their loved ones who died in wars, but what the Chinese people cannot understand and accept is that Japanese leaders visit the Yasukuni Shrine, where the memorial tablets of Class-A war criminals are housed. He said China sincerely hopes that both sides would take history as a mirror and look to the future in efforts to develop peaceful, friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Li said exchanges between young people from the two countries should be strengthened so as to foster the friendly feelings among the young generations. He also expressed thanks to Japan’s support and help to China’s combat against SARS.  

During the meetings, leaders from the Japanese political parties said they would face up to history and look forward to the future, devoting themselves, as always, to the cause of Sino-Japanese friendship and making positive contributions to the development of bilateral relations in the new century. They also pledged their efforts to further promote mutual understanding and friendship between the young people of the two countries.

Kan Naoto, head of the Democratic Party, offered his deep sympathy and apology to the Chinese victims who were injured recently by the chemical weapons left by the Japanese army in northeast China during World War II. He added that his party is ready to press the Japanese government to properly handle the issue and provide assistance to the victims.

The leaders from the Japanese parties also spoke highly of the important role the Chinese government is playing in seeking a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue, and paid tribute to the patience and efforts on the part of the Chinese side in the endeavor. They said the Japanese side is willing to play a constructive role in the six-party talks to be held in China soon.

On the same day, Li also attended the luncheon meeting held by seven Sino-Japanese friendship groups. They exchanged views on the Sino-Japanese relations.