On May 13, 2011, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with the delegation of Japan Business Federation headed by Chairman Hiromasa Yonekura and Honorary Chairman Fujio Mitarai at Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Premier Wen said the Japanese people suffered tremendous losses and pains in the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami. The Chinese people sympathize with the sufferings of the Japanese people. China is willing to continue to provide necessary assistance. Wen said, “I expect to have a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Prime Minister Naoto Kan on the development of bilateral relations, strengthening regional cooperation and other major issues during the China-Japan-ROK Leaders’ Meeting in Tokyo. Then I will go to the disaster area to convey the sincere sympathy of the Chinese people to the Japanese people and China’s sincere support for post-disaster reconstruction in Japan.” Wen expressed the hope that Japan Business Federation could continue to play an active role in promoting economic and technological cooperation and civil exchanges between the two countries. The governments and peoples should work together and take the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to push for new progress for the strategic relations of mutual benefit.

Hiromasa Yonekura and Fujio Mitarai said the Chinese government and people expressed condolences and provided strong support for Japan in the first instance after an earthquake and tsunami hit eastern Japan. It increased the courage and strength of Japan in the disaster relief. Japan is now making efforts for the recovery and reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas. The Japanese business community hopes to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with China focusing on disaster prevention and mitigation, energy conservation, and circular economy. Japan Business Federation is willing to make unremitting efforts to promote friendship between the two peoples.