Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie (5th L, Front) poses for a group photo with members of a delegation of Japanese veterans who once fought along with Chinese soldiers during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, in Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie on Thursday stressed the importance of people-to-people friendship between China and Japan.

Liang made the remarks in a meeting with a delegation of Japanese veterans who once fought along with Chinese soldiers during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation.

Liang expressed his thanks for the Japanese veterans for their contribution to China's national liberation as well as their efforts for friendship between the two countries.

China-Japan relations have made unprecedented development since the normalization of bilateral ties 38 years ago, said Liang, urging the two countries to learn from history and open a new path for future friendly cooperation.

The development of China-Japan friendship must depend on the peoples of the two countries, said Liang, adding that the two countries should jointly pursue peaceful coexistence, generation-to-generation friendship, reciprocal cooperation and common development.

Members of the Japanese delegation described their participation in the wars as precious experience, saying they would continue to push forward Japan-China friendship.