On March 20, 2011, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi who was attending the foreign ministers’ meeting of China, Japan and South Korea in Kyoto met in the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka with the staffs of the Consulate General and representatives of local Chinese-funded organizations, overseas Chinese and students abroad. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua and Consul General to Osaka Zheng Xianglin were present at the meeting.

Yang spoke highly of the contributions made by the Chinese-funded organizations, overseas Chinese and students abroad in western Japan to deepening the people-to-people friendship between China and Japan and promoting the development of China-Japan relations. The Chinese government and people are highly concerned about the massive earthquake and tsunami hitting northeastern Japan and Japan’s disaster relief and have provided Japan with various forms of assistance. Chinese compatriots living in Japan, including those in western Japan have donated actively to Japan’s disaster relief efforts, which fully demonstrates the profound friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people and the sound image of Chinese living in Japan. In particular, learning that the Chinese compatriots who were evacuated from the disaster-hit areas to Niigata don’t have enough food and face difficulties, the Chinese compatriots in Kansai immediately bought goods and sent them to the victims overnight despite snow, reflecting the deep compatriot affectionateness.

He expressed appreciation to all the comrades of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in Japan who had tried their best to evacuate the Chinese citizens in the disaster areas to safe places and actively help them return to China. He fully recognized their hardworking spirit and efforts of practicing “people-orientation and diplomacy for the people”. He hopes them to make persistent efforts and fulfill their mission successfully.

Yang also briefly introduced China’s domestic development and diplomatic plan this year. He stressed that China-Japan relations are one of the most important bilateral relations. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties and the two countries will organize a series of celebrations. To develop China-Japan relations, we should consolidate the public opinion foundation constantly. Chinese compatriots in Japan are expected to continue to play the unique role of building the bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Cheng, on behalf of all the staffs of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in Japan, thanked Yang for his support and noted that they will never let the motherland and the people down no matter what difficulties they face and will do their best to protect the security and interest of the Chinese citizens in Japan. Participants in the meeting said that Yang’s remarks are cordial and encouraging and the Chinese compatriots in Japan will maintain the tradition of solidarity and mutual help, integrate into the local society actively and make greater contributions to promoting the people-to-people friendship between the two countries.

Yang later took group photos with the staffs.