On September 9, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and made clear China's position on its relations with Japan and the issue of the Diaoyu Islands. The two leaders held the meeting to coincide with the 20th economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Hu pointed out that China-Japan relations have recently faced a severe strain due to the Diaoyu Islands issue, saying China holds a consistent and clear position on the issue. Whichever means the Japanese side uses to "purchase the islands" are illegal and invalid and China firmly opposes such a move, he said. The Chinese Government stands firm on safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, Hu said, adding that Japan must fully recognize the gravity of the situation and should not make wrong decisions. He urged Japan to work with the Chinese side to maintain the overall development of the two countries' relations.