According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on September 28, 2026, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the State Council Foreign Affairs Office, met with Iwasawa Takeshi, President of the Japan International Trade Promotion Association, in Beijing.
Wang Yi said that the Japan National Trade Promotion Organization is one of the renowned civil friendly organizations. Since its establishment, it has been committed to the cause of friendship between China and Japan. Especially when Sino-Japanese relations are facing challenges and damage, it still maintains a friendly attitude towards China and safeguards the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. Mr. Yoko Hiroshi, the former president of the Japan National Trade Promotion Organization, is a conscientious politician who dared to face up to Japan's dark history in the past and was brave enough to reflect on the crimes of militarism. He has earned the respect of the people of China and neighboring countries. We should not forget the past, but use it as a guide for the future. Only by taking history as a mirror can we truly create a brighter future. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. Japan is once again facing historical questions. If Japan does not learn from history's lessons, challenges the post-war "peace constitution," or even attempts to rewrite history and honor war criminals, it will be unable to face the world. Moreover, it will be impossible to create a future, and having a future would be even more difficult.
Wang Yi pointed out that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. The current Sino-Japanese relations are once again facing a severe situation, and it remains necessary to normalize them once more. For Japan, it is urgent to correct the mistakes in the leadership's actions regarding the Taiwan issue as soon as possible. It is important to adopt the right attitude on historical issues, and ultimately, to develop an objective and rational understanding of China. He hopes that the Japan Federation of Industry and Commerce, along with all those who have wisdom, will continue the tradition of friendship, promote Japan to make the right choices, and deliver satisfactory results.
Yawn Yike said that the situation between Japan and China is currently worrying. The Japan-China Economic Association will continue to inherit the legacy of former President Yoshiro Koizumi, driving a return of bilateral relations to the core principles of the four political documents that defined Japan’s relationship with China. Japan should not forget the lessons from the past, politicians must grasp Japan's direction and continue steadfastly on the path of peaceful development.
