On February 21, 2008, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan at his official residence in Tokyo.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan

Tang recalled the wide range of agreements reached between Chinese leaders and Fukuda regarding the development of Sino-Japanese mutually beneficial ties based on common strategic interests during his visit to China at the end of last year. Tang said China is willing to work with Japan to carefully implement the agreements reached, and to strengthen exchanges, promote mutual trust, expand cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues to push the Sino-Japanese relationship onto a new stage.

Fukuda thanked for the warm hospitality extended by the Chinese side during his visit to China.

Tang said the Sino-Japanese relationship is standing at a new historic threshold and is facing new opportunities. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan. President Hu's upcoming state visit to Japan scheduled for spring bears great and far-reaching significance in pushing forward the continuous development of the Sino-Japanese ties, Tang said. Year 2008 will inject new vigor into the bilateral exchanges and cooperation as it is also the Sino-Japanese Youths Friendly Exchange Year and the Beijing Olympics year, the state councilor said.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan

Fukuda for his part emphasized that the Japanese government and people are expecting and warmly welcome President Hu's Japan visit, and would like to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to ensure the success of the visit and to add new power to the development of the Japan-China relations.

Fukuda again expressed sympathy over the recent snow havoc in the southern parts of China. Tang expressed thanks for this and briefed on the disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in the disaster-affected areas.

Fukuda and Tang also agreed to strengthen cooperation on food safety and jointly preserve the general improvement and development of the Sino-Japanese ties.