On October 24, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said China-Japan relations have been improved and developed continuously in recent years since leaders of the two countries exchanged "ice-breaking", "ice-thawing", " spring-herald" and "warm spring" visits in succession. Wen said the two sides need to treasure the hard-earned favorable relationship achieved through years of efforts. China is willing to make joint efforts with Japan on the basis of the principles set in four political documents between the two countries to build political trust, fully carry out the consensus reached by their leaders, push forward the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries and endeavor to maintain regional peace and stability, Wen said. In face of the international financial crisis, there should be more policy dialogue and coordination between the two countries to maintain stability in the financial market, said Wen, citing that it is vital to the financial stability of Asia. The two sides should also expand economic and technological cooperation and improve domestic and regional economic growth, said Wen. Wen emphasized that China holds a responsible view on its food security, and is ready to strengthen cooperation in this respect with relevant countries including Japan. China and Japan have reached consensus in principle over the issue of the East Sea, and would continue to work together to solve related issues and to make it a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship, said Wen.

Aso said China and Japan are close neighbors, and should develop strategic and mutually beneficial relations. Japan is willing to keep high-level exchange with the Chinese side on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues, and enhance communication and coordination on major issues such as international finance and six-party talks. Japan attaches great importance to high-level economic dialogue between the two countries, hopes to constantly improve the mechanism and expand mutual cooperation in key areas, said Aso. Japan would take measures to encourage the exchange of young people from the two countries and improve people-to-people friendship, said Aso. He also noted that Japan hopes to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side in respect to food security and East Sea issues and appropriately solve related issues.

After the meeting, the two sides attended the signing ceremony of consular convention and the exchange of notes on jurisdiction assistance agreement of the two countries.