TOKYO, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said the wisdom of the East has far-reaching significance in finding resolutions to any global disputes or issues, noting, "Today, the international situation is complex and severe, and problems such as climate warming and food shortage are becoming increasingly serious. How to deal with these challenges?"

Yasuo Fukuda and his father Takeo Fukuda both served as prime ministers of Japan, and they were also witnesses to the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan.

After Japan and China normalized diplomatic relations in 1972, his father made great efforts to promote the signing of the treaty, Yasuo Fukuda told Xinhua in an interview in Tokyo.

On Oct. 23, 1978, Takeo Fukuda, then prime minister of Japan, and Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese leader, attended the ceremony for the exchange of instruments of ratification of the treaty for the treaty to officially enter into effect. Yasuo Fukuda, serving as his father's secretary at the time, was also present and witnessed the ceremony.

"It can be said that I am also a witness to the treaty," he said.

Having had an in-depth study of Chinese culture just as his father did, Yasuo Fukuda said China's 5,000-year history is "very worthy of pride", during which many great people were born and ancient Chinese philosophers such as Confucius had long thought about how to resolve disputes and maintain unity.

"The wisdom of the East still has profound referential significance for today's world," he added.

"Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you" is regarded by Yasuo Fukuda as the golden rule to resolve world conflicts. "As long as we persist in working in this direction, we will eventually be able to build and safeguard peace," he said.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the treaty's signing and both countries have held celebrations, Yasuo Fukuda said, "We should review the content of the treaty and continue its spirit."

Yasuo Fukuda said he expected Japan-China friendship to become an important force that "will not only have a positive impact on other regions, but also contribute to the maintenance of world peace." Enditem

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