On December 18, 2006, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse with a delegation headed by Koichi Kato, former Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a member of the House of Representatives.

Tang said relations between China and Japan are improving. Facts prove that the elimination of political obstacles and the resumption of high-level visits will inject vigor into bilateral relations and help promote exchanges and cooperation in all areas for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

Chinese leaders have agreed in principle to visit Japan next year, said Tang. He said the two sides should regard the visit as an opportunity to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields and map out a long-term development plan for bilateral relations. The two countries should also further consolidate the "three foundations" for the sound, long-term, stable development of bilateral relations, namely the political foundation, economic foundation and people-to-people relations, he added.

Tang also stressed the need to handle major sensitive issues properly, including the history issue and the Taiwan issue, so as to ward off hindrances to the improvement and development of bilateral relations. He said the two sides should expand their common interests and establish strategic reciprocal relations to revitalize Asia, and contribute to Asian peace, development and harmony.

Koichi agreed that China-Japan relations had improved since Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's China visit. The trend is in the interests of both countries and is welcomed by all circles in Japan and other Asian nations. The 21st century is the Asian century. Only if China and Japan have a better relationship can they build a bright future for Asia, Koichi said, adding he will continue his efforts in favor of a sound and stable development of China-Japan relations.

The Japanese guests are visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA). President of the CPIFA Yang Wenchang, Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and other officials attended the meeting.