The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union is one of seven Japanese organizations that Beijing identifies as “friendship” groups for engaging with Japan. It evolved from earlier parliamentary trade promotion efforts established in the 1950s when Japan maintained diplomatic relations with the Republic of China but not the People’s Republic of China. Following the 1972 normalization of Japan-PRC relations, the union was formally established in April 1974 with approximately 400 members from multiple parties under the leadership of Aiichirō Fujiyama (藤山愛一郎). On January 31, 2025, Hiroshi Moriyama (森山裕) assumed chairmanship from Toshihiro Nikai (二階俊博), following Moriyama’s participation in the China-Japan Ruling Party Exchange Mechanism. While Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (林簡) characterized it as a group “dedicated to Japan-China friendship” that focuses on “promoting exchanges and cooperation,” the organization’s structure differs from other parliamentary exchange groups — the Japanese side consists of elected Diet members, while Chinese counterparts are designated by the Chinese Communist Party. In his new role, Moriyama said he would seek “dialogue and consensus with China” and pledged to encourage more parliamentary visits.