On May 15, 2017, President Xi Jinping met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse with Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party Toshihiro Nikai of Japan, who was in China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) on behalf of the Japanese government.

Xi Jinping noted that Mr. Toshihiro Nikai is an old friend of the Chinese people and has long been dedicated to the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan. 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. The relations between the two countries are facing new opportunities as well as some prominent challenges. Both China and Japan are supposed to improve bilateral relations on the basis of the four political documents between China and Japan and the four-point principled agreement as well as in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and face forward the future". It is hoped that Japan meets China halfway, eliminate disturbance and jointly promote the China-Japan relations to develop in a right direction. It is hoped that the friends from various circles of both countries including Toshihiro Nikai can persistently and continuously endeavor to accumulate more positive energy for the improvement of bilateral relations.

Xi Jinping emphasized that since the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan 45 years ago, China-Japan relations have developed significantly with the joint efforts of insightful people from various circles in both countries, bringing tangible benefits to both countries and both peoples, as well as playing an important role in regional peace and stability. History shows that peace, friendship and cooperation are the only correct choices of both sides, which also conform to the common expectation of the two peoples and the international community. We should think deeply about the crux of the problems disturbing the improvement process of bilateral relations and take effective measures to reverse the situation. As the world's major economies, China and Japan share common interests in the promotion of economic globalization and trade liberalization. The "Belt and Road" initiative is a new platform and "experimental field" to achieve common development and mutually beneficial cooperation for China and Japan. The Japanese side made clear its affirmation of the "Belt and Road" initiative. We welcome the Japanese side to conduct cooperation with China within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative.

Toshihiro Nikai extended his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the meeting. He also congratulated China on the successful hosting of the BRF. Japan and China need cooperation. On occasion of the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China and the 40th anniversary of the signing of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, it is hoped that both sides can successfully hold various commemorative activities, providing impetus for the development of Japan-China relations.

Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.