Li Ruihuan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan led by its acting secretary-general Nonaka Hiromu on November 24.

Nonaka is a noted Japanese politician who has actively promoted Sino-Japanese relations. "We are highly appreciative of your efforts," said Li.

Li, who is also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, pointed out that consolidating and developing Sino-Japanese relations is fundamental to the interests and wishes of the Chinese and Japanese people and is significant in safeguarding regional and global peace.

"As long as we continue to honor the principles enshrined in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan, and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration, take a salutary lesson from history, and emphasize future exchanges between the youth of China and Japan, Sino-Japanese relations will definitely witness new developments in the 21st century.

At the invitation of the Japanese government, Li will pay a good-will visit to Japan in December. Li hopes to make numerous contacts with Japanese politicians and people from all walks of life and exchange views of common interest to enhance mutual understanding and promote deeper bilateral relations.

Nonaka congratulated China on its achievements and enormous progress since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 and extended Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo's warm welcome for Li's visit to Japan in December.

In the new millennium, Japan should take salutary lessons from history, Nonaka said, adding Japan will continue to strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations and numerous cultural exchanges.