On June 4, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with President of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT) Yohei Kono in Beijing.

Wang Yi stated that Mr. Yohei Kono has long been committed to the cause of China-Japan friendship. Even in the face of difficulties and challenges, he remains steadfast in his belief in promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side. "Promoting official relations through people-to-people exchanges" has been a proven approach in the development of China-Japan relations and still holds significant practical importance under the current circumstances. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Mr. Yohei Kono will continue to work with people of foresight from the Japanese side and friendly organizations such as the JAPIT to cultivate the social foundation for China-Japan friendship and advance the sustained, sound and stable development of China-Japan relations.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which is of historic significance. The Chinese side values Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent statement that Japan should draw profound lessons from history and refrain from being an aggressive country. History brooks no falsification, and only by learning from history can both sides truly open up the future.

Yohei Kono stated that history should not be forgotten, nor should it be denied. The past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped through efforts. The JAPIT is willing to continue contributing to the promotion of friendly cooperation between Japan and China.

The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening trilateral cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, holding that it is necessary to promote the integration of industrial and supply chains among the three countries to jointly respond to the challenge of de-globalization. The people of the three countries should enhance mutual understanding and friendly ties, and work together to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region.