Senior Chinese official Li Yuanchao on Thursday pledged to push forward China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial ties in an all-round way.

Li, head of the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks in his meeting with Nikai Toshihiro, chairman of the General Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Appreciating Japan's support for China's devastating earthquake and the upcoming Beijing Olympics, Li said the Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with Japan, and cherishes the sound momentum of bilateral ties.

Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said President Hu Jintao's successful Japan tour in May had opened up a new prospect for bilateral ties.

China is ready to deepen win-win cooperation with Japan and promote long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

Nikai expressed admiration to the spirit of the Chinese government and people in fighting against the earthquake. He also wished full success of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Speaking highly of Hu's Japan trip, he vowed to contribute to strengthening bilateral cultural exchanges and consolidating the social basis for long-lasting friendship between the two countries.

Nikai was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2008)