Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo expressed his hope that all of the political parties in Japan, despite their different views on politics, would play an effective role in pushing forward Sino-Japanese relations through cross-Party exchanges with China.

Wu met leaders of Japan's major parties over the weekend, including the Social Democratic Party of Japan, the Komei Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Democratic Party of Japan and the New Conservative Party.

The signing of the Sino-Japanese Friendship Treaty, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, reflected the efforts of all of Japan's political parties, noted Wu, who is the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China.

Wu said politicians in both countries should adopt a strategic and long-term view and concerning the overall situation of Asia and the world to deal with bilateral ties. At the same time, the two nations should carefully and appropriately manage issues that concern both.

He briefed China's position on the issue of chemical weapons left by the Japanese army in Qiqihar during the World War II, and hoped the parties of Japan could push forward the settlement of the issue.

All the party leaders expressed their will to further develop Japan-China friendship and cooperation with the Communist Party of China.

The relationship between the NPC and Japanese Diet is an important component of Sino-Japanese ties, Wu said. China would like to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with members in the Japanese Diet who have different party affiliation.

On Saturday, the Chinese leader also held talks with former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who is also the chairman of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

Wu said the Chinese Government is happy to be hosting the 12th annual meeting of the forum, which under the leadership of the former prime minister has became an influential parliamentary organization in the region.

The preparatory work for the event has been kicked off and is going smoothly, Wu said.

Yasuhiro said long-term friendship is the common aspiration of Chinese and Japanese people.

(China Daily September 8, 2003)