TOKYO -- The Chinese embassy in Japan held a reception in Tokyo to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.
Participants expressed their wish that the 50th anniversary of the two countries be an opportunity to further strengthen dialogue at all levels, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and push for the long-term, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations.
Kong Xuanyou, Chinese ambassador to Japan, said in his speech that China-Japan relations have come to a new historic beginning point and have come to a critical crossroads about where to go from here.
Both sides should embrace a strategic vision and global perspective, abide by the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, continue to strengthen political mutual trust and resolve differences and disputes under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and resolve differences and disputes under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, he said.
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The former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda said that the anniversary should be an opportunity to look at their original aspiration of normalizing diplomatic relations, strive for peaceful coexistence, jointly safeguard regional prosperity and stability, and make more contributions to the international community.
On behalf of the Japanese government, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yuumi Yoshikawa congratulated on the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the 50th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations and expressed hope that Japan and China will strive to build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.
Makiko Tanaka, former Japanese foreign minister, reviewed the history of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations, hoping that the two countries will take advantage of the opportunity to carry out exchanges in various fields, and strive for peaceful coexistence and common prosperity.
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Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of Japan's Komeito party, expressed hopes that both countries will strengthen exchanges in various fields and at different levels in order to lay a solid foundation for friendly bilateral relations.
More than 300 people including representatives from Japanese political and business circles, Chinese companies in Japan and overseas Chinese groups as well as foreign envoys in Japan attended the event.