Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with representatives of local Chinese community in Japan on Friday morning before leaving for Kyoto.

During the meeting, Wen said China, which is in an important stage of development, needs a favorable international and regional environment. He added that the improvement and development of the China-Japan relationship will eventually be beneficial to the two peoples.

The two governments have a desire to mend, improve and develop bilateral ties, and have reached consensus on building a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, Wen said. He added that China and Japan have also set up a cooperation mechanism and outlined several pivotal missions.

The two sides have found a correct way to address problems and contradictions in the bilateral ties, Wen said, adding that he hopes that the Chinese and the Japanese people maintain their friendship from generation to generation.

He also encouraged Japan-based Chinese to work hard and help each other, and show a good image of China.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2007)