On September 24, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message to Taro Aso on his being elected Japanese Prime Minister.

China and Japan are close neighbors and important nations in Asia and the world, Wen said in his congratulatory message. The development of stable and good-neighborly Sino-Japan ties is not only in keeping with the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, but also conducive to the peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and the world at large, the Chinese premier said. Wen expressed hope that both sides would make concerted efforts to advance the development of their strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a congratulatory message to Hirofumi Nakasone who has been appointed foreign minister in Japan's new cabinet.