On this day 53 years ago, on September 25, 1972 (August 18, 1972 lunar calendar), Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations were normalized. Mao Zedong met with Kakuei Tanaka in Zhongnanhai On September 25, 1972, Japanese Cabinet Minister Kakuei Tanaka visited China. The two sides issued the "Sino-Japanese Joint Statement". On the 25th, Tanaka and his party arrived in Beijing. Zhou Enlai, Ye Jianying, Guo Moruo and others welcomed them at the airport. From the 25th to the 28th, Zhou Enlai held 4 talks with Kakuei Tanaka. On the evening of the 27th, Mao Zedong met with Kakuei Tanaka in Zhongnanhai. The two sides had a serious and friendly conversation. On the 29th, after the joint efforts of both sides, the "Joint Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan" was signed in Beijing. " "As of the date of promulgation of this statement, the abnormal situation between the People's Republic of China and Japan to date has ended," the statement declared. "The Japanese side deeply feels the responsibility of Japan for causing great damage to the Chinese people in the past due to the war, and expresses profound remorse." "The government of the People's Republic of China declares that, for the sake of friendship between the two peoples, it will give up its claim for war compensation against Japan." In the statement, the Japanese government recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China; the Chinese government reiterates: "Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China." The Japanese government expresses its full understanding and respect for this position of the Chinese government, and insists on abiding by the provisions of Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation. " The two sides decided to establish diplomatic relations as of September 29, 1972 and to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible; agreed to negotiate for the purpose of concluding a treaty of peace and friendship and intergovernmental agreements on trade, navigation, aviation, fisheries, etc.; and decided to establish lasting relations of peace and friendship between the two countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.