• China's propaganda chief calls for efforts to improve public opinion towards Japan.
• Chinese Foreign Minister emphasizes the need for dialogue to resolve disputes.
• Recent meetings mark a significant step in improving long-strained Sino-Japanese relations.
• Japanese delegation conveys a personal letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President Xi Jinping.
• Historical reflection is crucial for sustainable bilateral cooperation.

In a recent meeting, Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, expressed a strong willingness to work alongside Japan to enhance mutual perceptions between the two nations during a visit by Japanese lawmakers to Beijing. This visit marks a significant attempt to repair the historically strained ties between China and Japan amidst increasing global uncertainties. The delegation, led by Hiroshi Moriyama from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Makoto Nishida from coalition partner Komeito, began their three-day visit with discussions focused on strengthening political dialogue. Li remarked that “the Chinese Communist Party is willing to work with the ruling coalition of Japan to strengthen political dialogue, promote people-to-people exchanges, and create a healthy public opinion environment” for bilateral relations, as reported by [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3294700/communist-party-propaganda-chief-calls-boosting-public-opinion-china-japan-ties).

On the subsequent day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the significance of reflecting on historical contexts to resolve outstanding issues between the countries. He noted that “as long as the direction is clear and the perceptions are correct, China and Japan can effectively address existing challenges through dialogue.” Wang urged Japan to recognize China as a cooperative partner rather than a threat and highlighted the importance of mutual understanding to ensure sustainable development in Sino-Japanese relations ([source](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3294843/crucial-time-improve-china-japan-relations-wang-yi-tells-tokyo-delegation)).

This diplomatic engagement comes after a series of negative incidents impacting public sentiment in both nations. Polls have shown an alarming 90% of respondents from both countries harboring negative views towards each other. Recent events, such as the tragic stabbing of a Japanese boy in Shenzhen and anti-Chinese sentiments following a violent incident involving a Chinese woman, have added strain to these relations.

During their discussions, the Japanese delegation plans to address several critical issues, including security concerns and Japan’s import restrictions on seafood from China, which were implemented in 2023 after Japan began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Nonetheless, there are signs of thawing relations, evidenced by the resumption of cultural exchanges and collaborations aimed at fostering a more favorable public opinion about each other.

In concluding their visit, the Japanese delegation is expected to deliver a personal letter from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the intent to maintain an open channel for continued discussions, reinforcing the fact that “regardless of the circumstances,” close communication remains paramount.

For more details on this diplomatic engagement, visit [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3294700/communist-party-propaganda-chief-calls-boosting-public-opinion-china-japan-ties).