On August 22, 2022, President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida over his infection with COVID-19.

Xi Jinping said, learning that Prime Minister Kishida is infected with COVID-19, I would like to extend sincere sympathy to you and wish you an early recovery. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, I'm ready to work with you to promote the building of a China-Japan relationship that answers the needs of the new era.

Premier Li Keqiang sent a message of sympathy on the same day to Fumio Kishida as well.