According to a report by the Japan's Kyodo News today, former Japanese Foreign Minister Hiroya Yawata met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the 28th and Vice Premier He Linfeng on the 29th. This meeting is a rare occurrence as it marks the first time that Chinese senior officials have met with Japanese lawmakers in two consecutive days, since the deterioration of bilateral relations due to Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's response to the Taiwan issue during the November parliamentary debate last year. Both Wang Yi and He Linfeng emphasized the importance of Japan-China relations, while also using Japan as a leverage in dealing with the issue of Taiwan.
According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on September 28, 2026, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and Director of the State Council Foreign Affairs Office, met with Iwata Takeshi, President of the Japan International Trade Promotion Association, in Beijing.
Wang Yi stated that the Japan National Trade Promotion Organization is one of the renowned non-governmental friendly groups. Since its establishment, it has been committed to the cause of friendship between China and Japan. Especially when Sino-Japanese relations are facing challenges or damage, it still manages to uphold a friendly attitude towards China and maintain the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. Mr. Yoshihiro Kono, former president of the Japan National Trade Promotion Organization, is a conscientious politician who dares to face up to Japan's dark history in the past and courageously reflects on the militarist aggression and crimes committed by Japan. He has won the respect of the people of China and neighboring countries. Remembering the past is the key to preparing for the future. Only by taking history as a lesson can we truly open up a new future. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials, and Japan is once again facing historical challenges. If Japan refuses to learn from history's lessons, challenges the post-war "peace constitution," or even attempts to rewrite history regarding aggression and try to vindicate war criminals, it will not be able to face the world, let alone create a future for itself.
Wang Yi pointed out that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations. The current Sino-Japanese relationship is once again facing a severe situation, and it remains necessary to normalize relations once more. For Japan, it is urgent to correct the wrong actions and statements of its leaders regarding the Taiwan issue. 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 Japan's trade promotion agencies and all people of insight will continue the tradition of friendship, promote Japan to make the right choices, and provide satisfactory results.
Yawn Yik stated that the relationship between Japan and China is currently a worrisome situation. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry will continue the legacy of former President, Hayano Yohei, and drive bilateral relations back to the original tenets of the four political documents between Japan and China. Japan should not forget past lessons and politicians must grasp the direction for Japan and continue on the path of peaceful development.
According to Xinhua News Agency, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with a delegation from the Japan International Trade Promotion Association during their visit to China at the Great Hall of the People on the 29th.
He Lifeng said that China and Japan are close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water. Both countries are important economic and trade partners. China always welcomes Japanese companies to develop in China and share market opportunities. He hopes that the Japan International Trade Promotion Association will maintain the correct historical direction, continue to uphold its friendly traditions with China, and play a greater role in promoting Sino-Japanese economic and trade cooperation.
The incoming president of the Japan International Trade Promotion Association, Takayuki Iwata, said that Japanese business circles are willing to continue expanding exchanges with Chinese counterparts and contributing to further development and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in economic relations between the two countries.
