An event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship was held in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, where attendees called for promoting the sound development of China-Japan relations.

More than 300 people attended the event including former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao, as well as representatives in academic, cultural and media sectors and members of civic groups from both sides.

Noting that the signing of the treaty 45 years ago marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, Wu said it defines the development of lasting peace and friendship between the two countries in the form of law as the common obligation of both sides, and stipulates a series of core principles such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, peaceful resolution of all disputes, and the joint opposition of any country seeking hegemony.

"However, 45 years later, some people in Japan seem to have forgotten the lessons of history, and instead hype up the 'China threat' and threaten to strengthen deterrence," Wu said, calling them "dangerous comments."

Bilateral cooperation is being disturbed by some people under the guise of so-called "economic security" and "de-risking," attempting to weaken or even cut off China-Japan economic and trade relations and contain China's development, he said, urging both sides to adhere to win-win cooperation to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

Hailing the great significance of the treaty, Hatoyama said the important concept of the treaty is being gradually eroded by some Japanese politicians.

The treaty clearly stipulates that the settlement of disputes should not resort to the threat of force, he stressed, urging the Japanese side to quickly return to the positions stated in the Japan-China joint statement and the treaty.

Takakage Fujita, director general of a civil group dedicated to upholding and developing the well-known Murayama Statement, said the purpose of the signing of the treaty is to strengthen friendly relations and promote the development of the two countries.

China is not Japan's enemy, Fujita said, calling on Japan to build a peaceful relationship with China for Asia's peace, stability and development, as well as Japan's future.

During the event, scholars, experts and friendly personages offered speeches on bilateral relation and trade.

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(Cover: An event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship is held in Tokyo, Japan, August 10, 2023. /Chinese Embassy in Japan)