On October 9 2004, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was accompanying Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council to attend the ASEM, met with his Japanese Counterpart Machimura.

Li Zhaoxing congratulated Machimura for taking office. He noted that the Chinese Government attaches great importance to the relations with Japan. We are ready to make joint efforts with the Japanese side to constantly push forward bilateral relations on the basis of the three political documents between the two countries and the spirit of "learn a lesson from history and be forward looking".

Machimura said since he himself used to be the Vice President of the Japan-China Friendship MPs and always holds the opinion that friendly relations between Japan and China is not only in line with the interest of the two peoples, but also bring benefit to Asia and the world at large. He will make active efforts to this end.

Beforehand, Li also met with Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Asselborn of Luxembourg and Foreign Minister Iacovou of Cyprus.