Xu Caihou, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met in Beijing Wednesday with a delegation of Japan's Forum on China's Politics and Economy led by its chief representative Atushi Shima.

Xu said during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Japan this April, the two sides agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation for building strategic and mutual beneficial relations.

As this year marks the 35th anniversary of normalization of bilateral diplomatic ties, Xu said, both countries should take the chance to implement the consensus so as to push forward bilateral ties.

Xu also briefed the delegation on China's social and economic development and its military building.

Shima said Japan appreciated great achievements China has made in economic development and he will play a positive role in helping enhance the people-to-people friendship and exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2007)