China will further develop the relationship with Japan on the existing basis to meet the challenge of the new century, a top Chinese leader said in Tokyo Thursday.

The consolidation and development of Sino-Japanese friendship need more people to be involved in. "No matter how different are their beliefs, positions and occupations, so long as they devote to the Sino-Japanese friendship cause, we shall have common language and will become sincere friends," Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, told a luncheon jointly hosted in his honor by seven friendly organizations of Japan.

The Chinese government and people will not forget those old friends who rendered outstanding contribution to the Sino-Japanese friendship and we are looking forward to seeing more young people become successors of the older generation.

The long-term friendship between the two countries lies fundamentally in the young people. And the young people of the two countries should go with the historical tide, treasuring and safeguarding the peaceful and friendly situation at the moment, Li said.

To broaden and enliven bilateral cooperation, it is essential to have not only government-to-government contacts, but also people-to-people exchanges in economic, political, social and cultural fields.

"We shall not forget the past but should all the more look to the future," Li said. It is hoped that young people of the two countries will inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of the older generation and continue to make new contribution to enhancing mutual understanding, trust as well as friendship.