A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official urged statesmen of both China and Japan to enhance exchanges to improve and further develop bilateral relations.  

Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with visiting former Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Koichi Kato in Beijing Monday.

Wang said the key to resolving the difficulties in present Sino-Japanese relations hinges on how the Japanese side treats history issue properly.

"Friendly Sino-Japanese relationship accords with the historical trend and meets the willingness of the people of both countries," he acknowledged, voicing his appreciation for Kato's efforts to promote Sino-Japanese friendship.

Kato said that the current difficult situation is very dangerous for the growth of Japan-China relations. "It infringes interests of both sides and is detrimental for Asia and the international community at large," he said.

Statesmen of both countries should look into the future and further promote political as well as economic relations between Japan and China, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2005)