China would deepen economic and trade cooperation and step up strategic and mutually beneficial relations with Japan, Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Sunday.

"China hopes the two sides would work together to enhance economic and trade cooperation, aiming at realizing mutual benefit and development," Hu told members of a delegation from the Japan-China Association on Economy and Trade (JCAET).

JCAET honorary president Fujio Mitarai and president Fujio Cho congratulated China on the success of the Olympics and Paralympic Games, and expressed willingness to push forward bilateral ties.

Hu expressed gratitude for Japanese aid after the Sichuan earthquake and for supporting the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, praising the JCAET for "important contributions to the improvement and development of bilateral ties".

"China would work with Japan to enhance strategic trust, mutual contact and coordination in regional and international affairs, in accordance with the two countries' four political documents," Hu said.

"China is willing to handle sensitive affairs appropriately together with Japan," he added.

JCAET was established in 1972 to promote economic exchanges between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2008)