On September 9, 2012, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and made clear China's position on its relations with Japan and the Diaoyu Islands issue. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 20th economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Hu seriously pointed out that China-Japan relations have recently faced a severe situation due to the Diaoyu Islands issue, saying China holds a consistent, clear position on the issue. Whatever ways the Japanese side uses to "purchase the islands" are illegal and invalid and China firmly opposes such moves, he said. The Chinese government stands firm on the issue of safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, Hu said, adding Japan must fully recognize the gravity of the situation and should not make wrong decisions. He urged Japan to work with the Chinese side to maintain the overall development of the two countries' relations.