Meeting Between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China on the Occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting in Shanghai
(Overview)
21 October 2001
On 21 October (from 20:10 - 20:40, Japan time), Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting in Shanghai. The following is an overview of the meeting. (Others in attendance included, from the Chinese side, Vice Premier Qian Qichen; and from the Japanese side, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kosei Ueno.)
1. APEC Summit Meeting in Shanghai
(1) Prime Minister Koizumi remarked that the APEC Summit Meeting in Shanghai was a well-prepared and excellent meeting. He added that while APEC is usually focused on economics, trade and economic cooperation, this time the member economies, overcoming their differences of standpoints in regard to the political issue of terrorism, shared the view to stand firmly against terrorism. Prime Minister Koizumi remarked that no previous APEC meeting had this achievement, and this was very meaningful.
(2) Regarding the hosting of the APEC Summit Meeting in Shanghai, President Jiang responded that he himself also thought highly of the good preparations by the government and people of Shanghai, while at the same time he thought that it should not be too proud when things are going smoothly. In regard to APEC's role, President Jiang stated that under the present circumstances, anti-terrorism measures became the focus of discussions, but APEC's central issues are primarily economics, trade and economic cooperation. He also stated that this time discussions were focused on the political issues due to special circumstances, this should not serve as a precedent for future meetings.
2. Japan-China Relations Overall
(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would like to promote bilateral exchange between Japan and China in areas such as sports, culture, politics, economics and economic cooperation on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of normalization of Japan-China relations next year. He also said that although growth of the world economy is slowing due to a recession and Japan is also in difficult circumstances, he believes that development of the Japanese economy could contribute to the world. Thus, he would like to promote the reform of Japan's economy. Prime Minister Koizumi said he would also like to promote economic cooperation between Japan and China in this process, and that promoting cooperation between Japan and China would contribute to peace and stability in Asia and the rest of the world.
(2) President Jiang responded that with the 30th anniversary of normalization of Japan-China relations, 2002 will be a very important year, and although there are some historical lessons between Japan and China, they must at the same time look toward the future. He added that he is confident that from now on bilateral relations will develop in various areas.
(3) Next, on the issue of safeguards, President Jiang stated that since April, Japan had taken provisional safeguard measures regarding three agricultural products and China had consistently said that solution through dialogue is desirable. He added that recently, a frank exchange of views had taken place at a meeting between Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Takeo Hiranuma and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng, and that he hoped that the issue would be resolved as early as possible through consultation by the relevant authorities of both countries. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi mentioned that he had recently discussed this issue with Premier Zhu Rongji and that by all means solution through dialogue is desirable. He added that it was important that the way to a friendly solution be found through dialogue between their officials.
3. Terrorist Attacks in the United States
(1) Prime Minister Koizumi said that he suggested three points to President George W. Bush of the United States of America at their Summit Meeting: military strategy, political strategy and reconstruction strategy. He stated that the military action in Afghanistan targets not the people of Afghanistan, but Osama bin Laden and his bases. Prime Minister Koizumi added that thinking about the political stability of Afghanistan now will lead to easing the minds of the world's people, and that Japan will not participate in military action, but would like to participate in actions aimed at accomplishing the aforementioned political stability.
(2) President Jiang remarked that in regard to terrorism, there are differences in standpoints among APEC member economies, but that there was an agreement on the following three views: (1) Opposition to terrorism; (2) Military actions must have clear objectives and must not harm innocent people; and (3) The United Nations must also play its role among the moves to eradicate terrorism. He also stated that the Arab world, with its 1.1-1.2 billion people, should also be incorporated into the international union against terrorism.
4. Other Issues
After the meeting, President Jiang mentioned that Shanghai is a candidate city for hosting the 2010 World Exposition and asked for Japan's support. Prime Minister Koizumi responded that he would also very much like China to participate in the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan.
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