The Sino-Japanese Joint Statement on Sept 29, 1972 established diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Japan.
China and Japan are neighbouring countries, separated only by a strip of water with a long history of traditional friendship. The peoples of the two countries earnestly desire to put an end to the abnormal state of affairs that has hitherto existed between the two countries.
In August 1978, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries signed in Beijing the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the People's Republic of China and Japan.
President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China paid a state visit to Japan from 6 to 10 May at the invitation of the Japanese Government.
President Jiang Zemin and Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi issued the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration, declaring the establishment of a partnership of friendship and cooperation for peace and development.
The China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1978 should be commemorated and followed well, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.