On December 4, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi delivered a video speech at the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum.

Wang Yi said, China and Japan are both important countries in Asia and the world. The history of more than 2,000 years of exchanges and over 50 years of relations since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries has repeatedly proven that a China-Japan relationship with the right development direction is of great and positive significance to both countries and their peoples, as well as to the peace and development of the region and the world. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had their first meeting on the sidelines of the APEC meeting. The two sides agreed to make joint efforts to comprehensively promote the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in accordance with the principles and directions stipulated in the four political documents between China and Japan and commit to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era. The two sides should be guided by the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, adhere to the original aspirations of bilateral relations, follow the right path, build consensus, and coordinate actions, all with the aim of promoting stable, lasting bilateral relations.

First, the two sides should keep to the correct positioning of bilateral relations. China has always regarded Japan as an important cooperative partner, and hopes that Japan can view China's development objectively and rationally. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Japan will work with China to follow the correct positioning of comprehensively promoting the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and implement the important consensus that the two countries should be "cooperative partners rather than each other's threats".

Second, the two sides should maintain the political foundations of bilateral relations. The four political documents between China and Japan have laid the political and legal foundations for bilateral relations, and they should not be blurred or reversed, even less undermined. Historical, Taiwan-related and other major sensitive issues bear on the bottom line and conscience of bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Only by honoring commitments can the political foundation of China-Japan relations be unbreakable. Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan is once again faced with the question of history, morality and the times. Wang Yi expressed the hope and belief that visionary people in Japan can draw lessons and inspirations from the mistakes they have made in the past, demonstrate once again their determination to uphold peaceful development and rediscover the correct way to coexist with its neighbors.

Third, China and Japan need to promote an open strategy of mutual benefit. The economic interests as well as industrial and supply chains of China and Japan are deeply intertwined. Both sides should cherish their common interests and cooperation space that have already been established, and work together to maintain the stability and smooth operations of the global free trade system and industrial and supply chains. China's trial visa-free policy for ordinary Japanese passport holders demonstrates the goodwill and openness of the Chinese people. China hopes to take this as an opportunity to continuously expand people-to-people and sub-national exchanges. China welcomes more Japanese people to visit China and experience a thriving China and a rapidly changing neighbor.

Fourth, the two countries need to uphold regional and international peace and stability. In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and Japan should work in tandem to safeguard Asian unity and cooperation and prevent external forces from fomenting confrontation. The two sides should expand the development momentum of regional cooperation, restart negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Zone, and continuously enhance the level of economic integration in Asia. China and Japan should advocate and practice true multilateralism and open regionalism to inject impetus into global peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Wang Yi said, the world has reached a new crossroads and the pendulum of history has reached a new point. He hopes that the Beijing-Tokyo Forum will continue to promote candid exchange, build consensus, provide suggestions for China-Japan relations, and make new contributions to the development of China-Japan relations fit for the new era.

The Beijing-Tokyo Forum is an important platform for official and public exchanges between China and Japan. It has been held every year since its inception in 2005. The theme of this year's forum is "Restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through Japan-China cooperation". Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi attended and addressed the forum, and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda delivered a keynote speech.