On October 9, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Japan's newly-appointed Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.
Iwaya Takeshi said the new Japanese cabinet is willing to comprehensively promote the strategic relationship of mutual benefit between Japan and China and is committed to building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship. Noting that there is huge potential for Japan-China cooperation in various fields, he said Japan is willing to strengthen communication with China at all levels to resolve pending issues through consultation, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Japan and China shoulder important responsibilities for the peace and stability of Asia and the world. In the face of a turbulent international situation, the new Japanese cabinet is committed to advancing diplomacy through dialogue and coordination, and is willing to work with China to strengthen cooperation and make greater contributions to promoting regional peace and stability and addressing global challenges.
Wang Yi said that China appreciates the positive signals sent by the new Japanese cabinet and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi since his assumption of office, reflecting a willingness to stabilize and develop bilateral relations. China and Japan are close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water, and mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development are in the fundamental interests of both peoples. Wang Yi expressed his hope that the new Japanese cabinet will bring new momentum and foster fresh developments in China-Japan relations. He called on both sides to learn from history, stay true to their original aspirations, expand cooperation, eliminate disruptions, and comprehensively advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit, so as to build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship fit for the new era.
Wang Yi emphasized that China's policy toward Japan has always maintained consistency and stability. He expressed the hope that Japan will honor its political commitments on the Taiwan question, adhere unwaveringly to the one-China principle, establish an objective, rational, positive, and friendly perception of China, translate the important common understandings including "being cooperative partners rather than threats to each other" into concrete actions, and push forward the sound and stable development of bilateral relations along the right track. He said that facing the complex international situation with changes and turbulence, the overall peace and stability in the region are hard-won and should be cherished, particularly by preventing external forces from causing trouble and stirring up regional division and confrontation.