On October 23, 2023, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio exchanged congratulatory messages on the 45th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan.

Li Qiang said, 45 years ago, the elder generation of leaders and statesmen in both countries made the strategic decision to conclude the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan. The Treaty, in legal form, established a general direction of peaceful coexistence and lasting friendship between China and Japan, the two neighboring countries, and stressed the opposition to hegemonism, which has become an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations. Over the past 45 years, China-Japan relations have made hard-won development achievements, enhanced the well-being of the two peoples and made positive contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large.

Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to work with Japan to relive the spirit of the Treaty, firmly stay the course in steering bilateral relations on the right track of development, and commit to building a China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

Kishida Fumio said, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between Japan and China explicitly stipulated the development of bilateral relations featuring lasting peace and friendship, which has, over the past 45 years, served as a guide for the two sides to lay the foundation for the development of Japan-China relations and maintain and develop peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries. Japan and China shoulder important responsibilities for peace and prosperity of the region and the world at large, and have potential for cooperation in a wide range of areas. It is of great significance for the two sides to work together to build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship. Japan is willing to relive the spirit of the Treaty with China and strive for greater development of Japan-China relations.