On May 3, 2018, Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with the delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarian’s union led by its president Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, at the Great Hall of the People.

Li Zhanshu said that China and Japan are close neighbors, and are dependent on each other. The history of long-term exchanges between the two countries proves that win-win cooperation accords with the fundamental interests of both countries and long-term friendship is the only right choice. History should be remembered, but not for continuing hatred. He called on the Japanese side to remember history, learn lessons from it and avoid repeating mistakes. He said that China and Japan should treat each other in an objective and rational way, as cooperative partners rather than threats. The two sides should look into the future and help bilateral relations return to normal.

Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, meets with the delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' union led by Hayashi Yoshimasa, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on May 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Li Zhanshu also said that legislative exchange is an important part of China-Japan relations. The two sides should further the exchanges of experiences on legislation and state governance, lead the people of all walks of life to see China-Japan relations in an objective and rational way, strengthen cooperation in key areas, and upgrade pragmatic cooperation. Japanese side is welcome to participate in the Belt and Road and to achieve win-win cooperation.

Hayashi Yoshimasa said that Japan and China are neighbouring countries and the bilateral relations are the most important relations to both sides. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China. The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' union will inherit the tradition to contribute more to improving bilateral ties.

Tang Jiaxuan, President of the China-Japan Friendship Association, Yang Zhenwu, Secretary General of the NPC Standing Committee, Li Xiaolin, President of the CPAFFC, were present at the meeting.

The visit of the delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' union is at the invitation of the CPAFFC.