On May 4, 2012, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held talks with Yokomichi Takahiro, speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu extended warm welcome for Yokomichi Takahiro's visit to China on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries and spoke highly of his long-standing positive efforts to develop China-Japan relations, especially parliamentary exchanges.

Wu hailed the development of Sino-Japanese relations since they were normalized in 1972. He particularly highlighted frequent high-level visits, deepening trade and economic cooperation, expanding people-to-people contact and sound communication and cooperation on regional and international affairs. Such unprecedented achievements benefited the two peoples and preserved Asian and world peace, stability and development, Wu said. The development outcome of China-Japan relationship is the result of the joint efforts by generations of people from both countries and is worth cherishing.

Wu said China-Japan relations, under the current international and domestic situation, are facing important opportunities as well as some new topics that need to be properly handled. He called on the two states to further cooperate and avoid disturbances so as to constantly promote bilateral relations. Both sides should seize the important opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations to further strengthen cooperation, eliminate interference and push for sound, stable development of the relations between the two countries in the next four decades.

Wu raised a four-point proposal on furthering bilateral ties. First, he suggested the two sides grasp the general direction of development of the Sino-Japanese relations, handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective under the guidance of previous political agreements, and adhere to peace, friendship and cooperation. Second, he urged both sides to enhance awareness of development partners, deepen pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation in such sectors as economy, trade, energy-saving, environmental protection, green economy and finance. The two states should enhance communication on regional cooperation and jointly promote the integration of East Asia. Third, he called on both sides to inherit and carry forward the Sino-Japanese friendly tradition, ensure the success of the year of exchanges and friendship between Chinese and Japanese nationals, attract wide participation of people from the two countries especially the youth and strive to effectively enhance the friendly feelings of the two peoples. Fourth, he suggested both sides properly handle sensitive issues and safeguard the overall situation of bilateral relations.

Wu pointed out that parliamentary exchanges are an important part of Sino-Japanese relations and play an irreplaceable role in the development of bilateral relations. The National People's Congress of China has established a stable and mature regular exchange mechanism with the upper and lower houses of the Japanese Diet respectively and will hold the seventh and fifth meeting of the exchange mechanism this year. The two sides should continue to use this platform to strengthen parliamentary exchanges at all levels, especially between the young parliament members, exchange in-depth views on issues of common concern and play a greater role in promoting healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

Takahiro said this year is the 40th anniversary of the normalization of the Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations and is of extraordinary significance. The Japanese side is willing to work together with China to promote the in-depth development of Japan-China strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. Japan's parliament will strengthen exchange and cooperation with China's National People's Congress to build up people-to-people understanding and sentiments and push forward Japanese-Chinese ties. Takahiro thanked China for its aid following Japan's devastating earthquake last year.

Vice Chairman and Secretary General Li Jianguo of China's NPC Standing Committee and other officials attended the talks.