Enhancing China-Japan friendship, boosting bilateral ties

As close neighbors and important countries in the world, China and Japan have broad common interests, Yang said.

China and Japan will mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, and China highly values its ties with Japan and regards Japan as its important cooperation partner, he said.

When Japan was hit by a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11 and ensuing disasters, the Chinese government and various circles expressed sympathies and support in many ways, said Yang.

After his arrival in Japan, the Chinese premier rushed to the coastal town of Natori and the city of Fukushima, which were respectively hit by the quake and tsunami and radiation leak, to express deep condolences.

Wen stressed that China-Japan friendship is built on the foundation of positive feelings among the two peoples. He believed that, with joint efforts, China-Japan ties will constantly improve. Such a development conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, and is conducive to peace and development of Asia and the world.

The Japanese public was deeply touched and encouraged by Wen's visit to the disaster-stricken areas, believing that Wen showed China's sincerity with concrete action, and hoping China-Japan friendship will last generation after generation, Yang said.

Premier Wen also told reporters on various occasions that China supports Japan's disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also expounded China's stance on further promoting mutual beneficial strategic ties between the two countries.

During his visit to Japan, the Chinese premier met in Tokyo with students from the prestigious Sophia University and members of a pop band and encouraged them to make concrete efforts for China-Japan friendship.

When meeting his Japanese counterpart Kan on Sunday, Wen China is willing to boost high-level exchanges with Japan and strengthen mutual trust based on the principles of the four political documents between the two countries, so as to lay a sound foundation for the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic ties next year.

To support Japan's early recovery from the quake-tsunami twin disasters, Wen said, China will send trade delegations and tourists to Japan, and will ease restrictions on Japanese food imports provided Tokyo ensures their safety.

The two nations will also share experiences in disaster prevention and relief work, as well as to set up an effective cooperation mechanism in this regard.

The two leaders agreed in their talks to promote renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

On cultural issues, Wen said the Chinese government will invite 500 students from Japan's disaster-hit areas to China, and that 4,000 Chinese and Japanese youths will visit each other's countries this year to improve friendship among the two peoples.

Kan expressed gratitude for the major support and assistance from China in the wake of the disasters, and thanked Wen for his visit to the disaster-stricken areas, which, he said, came as great encouragement to the people there and helped improve friendship between the two nations.

The Japanese prime minister vowed to strengthen cooperation with China in a wide range of fields, including trade, environment, tourism and culture, to promote mutually beneficial strategic relations.