On October 25, 2023, Vice President Han Zheng met with former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo in Beijing.

Han Zheng said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of concluding of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Peaceful coexistence and everlasting friendship between China and Japan serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and are also of great significance to Asia and the world at large. China and Japan enjoy deep-rooted people-to-people friendship and deeply integrated interests. The two sides should further strengthen communication and exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and realize mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win results. The Chinese side appreciates the unremitting efforts and important contributions made by Mr. Fukuda Yasuo and friendly people from the Japanese cultural community to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Japan. Han Zheng expressed the hope that the two sides will strengthen cooperation and play a greater role in improving and developing bilateral relations and enhancing friendship between the two peoples.

Fukuda Yasuo said that Japan and China enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges and closely linked practical interests. Carrying out people-to-people and cultural exchanges will help enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two peoples. Fukuda Yasuo expressed his willingness to make joint efforts to continue to promote cooperation in various fields including cultural exchanges.