Li Jinai, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and director of the General Political Department (GPD) of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), met with the Japanese Veteran Delegation headed by Akio Hanazono at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 28.

　　Li Jinai extended his welcome to Akio Hanazono and his delegation for their visit to China. He said that the Japanese veterans had made important contributions to the Chinese revolution and national liberation, and had done a large amount of valuable work for pushing forward the Sino-Japanese non-governmental friendship after they returned to Japan. The Chinese people and the military will never forget the contributions made by those Japanese veterans.

　　Li Jinai expounded the principles and stands of the Chinese government on promoting the all-round development of the Sino-Japanese relations to the guests, and briefed the guests about the achievements made in China’s reform and opening-up and the development situation of China’s army building in the new period. He hoped that the Japanese veterans would continue to show their concern over China’s construction and development and make new contributions to boosting the Sino-Japanese friendship.

　　Akio Hanazono said that as a veteran once enlisted in the PLA, he felt very happy when seeing the great achievements obtained by China in its economic and national defense construction. He thanked for the concern of the Chinese government and military for the Japanese veterans. He expressed that the Japanese veterans would continue to make unceasing efforts to further promote the non-governmental exchanges and contact between Japan and China.

　　The Japanese guests came to China for a visit upon the invitation of the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC). Liu Zhenqi, deputy director of the GPD of the PLA, and Xing Yunming, executive vice-president of the CAIFC, were also present at the meeting.

　　By Li Donghang