Beijing, November 18th—Zhao Shitong, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today on the afternoon with a delegation of friendly personages from Japan’s Kyushu region, led by Senichi Moriyama, Vice Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Association and Chairman of Fukuoka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association.

Zhao spoke positively of Fukuoka Prefecture's long-term adherence to friendly exchanges with China, saying that General Secretary Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, reaffirming the comprehensive advancement of the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and charting the course for the development of bilateral relations under the new situation. It is hoped that people from all walks of life in Kyushu will maintain their firm belief in friendship with China, carry forward the fine tradition of "non-governmental contacts foster bilateral relations", strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, and make greater contributions to enhancing the understanding of the Japanese people on China and consolidating the social foundation for the development of China-Japan relations. 

Senichi Moriyama praised the development achievements of the People's Republic of China since its founding 75 years ago and spoke highly of the great significance of the meeting between the two leaders. He said, Kyushu has maintained close exchanges with the Chinese side for a long time. No matter what difficulties and challenges Japan-China relations are facing, Japan is willing to stick to friendship with China as always, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and push forward the continuous development of Japan-China relations.