Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao (fourth to the left) takes a group photo with artists and other major attendants of the evening party celebrating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Sept 19. (LI ZHENXI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Diplomats, political figures and eminent people from various other fields, including the artistic community and civic groups, from China and Japan attended an evening party in Tokyo on Sept 19 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. 

Today, 45 years after the treaty was inked in 1978, China-Japan relations face complex challenges, Chinese ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao said at the event. 

Therefore, the importance of the spirit of the treaty has grown even greater. “Commemorating the signing of the treaty is not only an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace, but also a chance to draw upon the wisdom of our predecessors,” he said.

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“By seeking common ground while shelving differences, and consolidating common understandings, we can infuse more positive energy into the improvement and development of China-Japan relations and construct a China-Japan relationship that is suitable for the demands of the new era,” Wu said. 

The people of both countries are encouraged to use diverse and extensive exchanges to break through information bubbles, transcend prejudices with their own experiences, and establish more objective, truth-based mutual recognition and understanding.

Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda attends the evening party celebrating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo on Sept 19. He is awarded a China-Japan peace and friendship medal by the Union of Chinese Residing in Japan. (LI ZHENXI / FOR CHINA DAILY) 

The Union of Chinese Residing in Japan (UCRJ) awarded a China-Japan peace and friendship medal to former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda. The UCRJ is a grassroots organization in Japan that comprises 108 overseas Chinese associations from various regions. 

Reflecting on the development of friendship between Japan and China, Fukuda recalled that during his term in office, he and then Chinese president Hu Jintao signed a joint statement on all-round promotion of strategic and mutually beneficial relations. The joint statement advanced friendly exchanges between the two countries and laid the foundation for future diplomatic developments. 

Fukuda eagerly looks forward to the growth of China-Japan friendship as a starting point for Asia and the world to move together toward peace and prosperity. He said he hopes that the Chinese community in Japan, together with the Japanese people, can contribute to the economic and social development of both nations.

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Children dance in panda costumes at the evening party celebrating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Sept 19. (ZHAO HAICHENG / FOR CHINA DAILY)

He Delun, president of the Union of Chinese Residing in Japan, noted that there are over 1.1 million Chinese nationals and Chinese descendants in Japan, serving as an important bridge connecting the two countries. They represent an indispensable grassroots force for promoting Sino-Japanese peace, friendship, exchange and cooperation. 

“It is our responsibility and obligation as overseas Chinese to expand cultural exchanges, engage in diverse forms of Sino-Japanese people-to-people interactions, and contribute to the mutual economic development of China and Japan,” he said. 

The evening party was hosted by the UCRJ. 

Over the past six months, the UCRJ has mobilized hundreds of artists and volunteer teams, and extended invitations to Chinese and Japanese media outlets. “Our goal is to convey a message to the people of both China and Japan: We all cherish world peace and yearn for lasting peace and friendship between the generations of China and Japan,” He said.

Contact the writer at jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn