On October 22, 2011, Premier Wen Jiabao met with members of both sides attending the Third Meeting of the Fifth China-Japan Friendship Committee for the 21st Century at Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said currently China-Japan relationship is on the whole in good shape with deepened pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations. The two sides should take this opportunity to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, youth and other areas, enhance understanding and mutual trust and expand common interests so as to make Sino-Japanese friendship deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples.

Wen listened to the remarks of the members of both sides and made positive comments on the Committee's work over the past year, expressing hope that they would look at China-Japan relations from an international perspective, hold candid exchanges and build consensus to make this meeting a success. He also hoped the committee members will offer more advice and suggestions to the governments of the two countries, better play an active role in their respective fields and inject new vitality into the development of Sino-Japanese strategic reciprocal relations.

Senior member of China Tang Jiaxuan, senior member of Japan Taizo Nishimuro and other members attended the meeting.