Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao said that China-Japan relations are currently at a critical stage of improvement and development. He noted that while positive interactions between the two countries at various levels and across multiple fields are increasing, there also remain significant contradictions and differences that need to be properly managed.

"The most important task for both sides is to swiftly implement the key consensus reached by the leaders of China and Japan, maintain strategic focus, stay on the right course, uphold the political foundation of bilateral relations, prevent external disruptions, and work toward building China-Japan relations that meet the demands of the new era," said Wu.

In December, the two countries held the second meeting of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Japan in Beijing. Both sides reached a broad consensus on deepening cooperation in fields such as media, think tanks, and youth exchanges and made plans for advancing cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Wu expressed his hope that China-Japan people-to-people and cultural exchanges would achieve even greater progress. He encouraged all participants to use the current dialogue as an opportunity to make further efforts toward improving China-Japan relations.

Takeshi Noda, president of the Japan-China Society, noted that as neighboring nations, it is natural for China and Japan to experience both periods of harmony and moments of disagreement.

Emphasizing the need for a win-win dynamic, Noda underscored the importance of open dialogue in allowing people from both countries to share perspectives, overcome misunderstandings, and work together toward a deeper mutual understanding.