On December 13, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo met with the delegation of the Democratic Party of Japan headed by its president Seiji Maehara. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Japan relations and other issues frankly.

Dai reiterated the Chinese government's position and proposals on improving and developing China-Japan relations. He hoped that both the Democratic Party of Japan and Mr. Seiji Maehara can play an active part in safeguarding and boosting China-Japan friendship.

Mr. Seiji Maehara said Japan should not adopt hostile policies toward China. He sincerely welcomed China's development. Japan and China should enhance dialogue and cooperation in a wide range of areas, maintain long-term friendship, co-exist peacefully and prosper together. This is in the fundamental interests of both countries and also conducive to Asia and the whole world. The Democratic Party of Japan and he himself would like to make active efforts to improve and develop Japan-China relations.