The Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with Japan, which are related to fundamental interest of the two peoples as well as prosperity and stability of Asia and the world at large.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark here Saturday in meeting with the Social Democratic Party of Japan delegation, headed by its leader Fukushima Mizuho.

The guests came to China to attend the third International Conference of Asian Political Parties.

The Sino-Japanese relations are in a crucial stage currently, said Li, expressing his hope that the two sides will take joint effort to construct new type of bilateral relations on the basis of friendship, cooperation, mutual trust and win-win result.

The Social Democratic Party of Japan does not endorse Japanese leaders' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, said Fukushima Mizuho. The Social Democratic Party of Japan is willing to take joint effort with the CPC to promote peace and development in Asia, she said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2004)