Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said Sino-Japanese exchange and cooperation in various fields have developed ever since the two countries' relations were normalized.

Chi said during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan in 1998, the first-ever state visit to Japan by a Chinese head of state, the two countries issued a joint declaration on building up friendly cooperative relations dedicated to peace and development. The declaration has guided Sino-Japanese relations into a new stage of development, he said.

Chi said that Sino-Japanese relations have from time to time been troubled by such issues as those involving history and the Taiwan issue. The recent issues involving the Japanese history textbooks and Lee Teng-hui's visit to Japan harmed Sino-Japanese relations, he said.

Chi expressed hope that Japan will abide by the principles set forth in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration, draw lessons from history and look ahead to the future, so that the Sino-Japanese relations can continue to develop in a healthy and steady way.

Kimishima said non-governmental contacts have promoted the two people's friendship and the two countries' relations. His association is willing to make contributions to the development of Japan-China ties.

He said that Japan and China have enjoyed over 2,000 years of friendly contacts, however, Japan had also invaded China in the history. Developing friendly relations between Japan and China is the common desire of both Chinese people and the great majority of Japanese.

He said he hopes the people of the two countries will work together for a bright future of Japan-China relations.

(People's Daily 05/23/2001)