Weekly Media FAQ

December 14, 2007

Japan-China Press Communiqué

Q: It is reported that China altered the Press Communiqué upon which Japan and China had agreed at the First High-Level Economic Dialogue in Beijing on December 1, releasing a revised Communiqué in Chinese. What is the Japanese government's position on this?

A: It is true that there are differences between the Communiqué upon which both sides had agreed on December 1 in Beijing and the content of the Chinese-language version that the Chinese side released. Japan believes that the Communiqué upon which both sides agreed on December 1 is the final version.

The First High-Level Economic Dialogue was a very significant occasion, with all ministers in charge of issues related to the economy from both sides gathering and discussing candidly and at great depth numerous issues in Japan-China economic relations, including those of relevance to the region and the global community. Premier Wen Jiabao also highly values this point. This question on the Communiqué does not undermine the significance of the dialogue and will not have an effect on the future of Japan-China relations as a whole.

Q: Does this issue have any impact on future Japan-China relations, including a possible visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda?

A: With reference to the Prime Minister Fukuda's visit to China, we have been coordinating with the Chinese side for quite a while. The question of the Communiqué is not something that will cause us to review the visit.

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