Top political advisor Jia Qinglin called in Tokyo on Thursday for continuous consolidation of the political, economic and social basis for Sino-Japanese ties under the current situations, which requires efforts from both sides.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said Sino-Japanese relationship is at a new starting point as a result of the concerted efforts from the two sides, and it cherishes more prospects for development.

Jia, speaking at a reception sponsored by seven Japanese organizations for bilateral friendship, said there are both opportunities and challenges in Sino-Japanese ties.

He called on both sides to continue their efforts to strengthen bilateral political mutual trust, expand common interests, further improve people-to-people friendship, continuously push forward bilateral strategic relationship for mutual benefit, and ensure the long-term, sound and steady growth of bilateral ties.

He said the political basis for bilateral relations can be safeguarded so long as the two sides firmly follow the correct direction for bilateral relationship and properly handle the major sensitive issues in line with the principles and spirit enshrined in the three bilateral political documents including the joint statement.

He said he hoped that both sides will take concrete measures to promote cooperation in such key areas as energy, environmental protection, finance, high-tech, information and telecommunications, and intellectual property rights protection.

He said he also hoped the two sides will actively carry out personnel and cultural exchanges and continuously expand people-to- people contacts.

Jia urged the two sides to treat each other's development objectively and support each other's peaceful development, saying that China's development will never bring harm and threat to other countries.

On the Taiwan question, Jia said China sincerely hopes that the Japanese government and people from all walks of life will see clearly the nature and harm of the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, and join the international community in sending clear-cut signals against "Taiwan independence".

The seven organizations include the Japan-China Friendship Association, the Japan Association for the Promotion of International trade, the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, the Japan-China Association on Economy and Trade, the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship, the Japan-China Society, INC., and the Japan-China Friendship Center.

Ikuo Hirayama, chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Association, said all communities of Japan are pleased to see the improvement and development of bilateral relations between the two countries and the seven organizations will continue to make unremitted efforts for the promotion of the bilateral friendship.

Jia started an official goodwill visit to Japan Wednesday as a guest of the Japanese government.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2007)