Top > Foreign Policy > Foreign Policy Q&A > It is said that 2002 is to be "Japan Year" and "China Year", can you tell us why this year has been designated as such? Please tell us about the events and festivities that will be taking place in Japan and China.

It is said that 2002 is to be "Japan Year" and "China Year", can you tell us why this year has been designated as such? Please tell us about the events and festivities that will be taking place in Japan and China.

2002 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations in 1972. In remembrance of this occasion, a series of commemorative events will be held with the objective of bringing about broader-based mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, with the program of events being implemented in China named "Japan Year" and that in Japan "China Year". The leaders of the two countries agreed to carry out the programs on the visit of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji to Japan in October 2000. In addition, in meetings held twice between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Jiang Zemin of China in October 2001, they also concurred on bilateral cooperation to ensure the success of these programs.

In this "Japan Year" and "China Year", it is aimed to carry out programs in a broad range of different areas besides cultural exchange, including economy, trade, tourism, education and youth exchange through a variety of methods appropriate to Japan-China exchange in the age of information technology (IT).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes such programs to be of the greatest significance in increasing exchange between Japan and China at various levels and in further enhancing mutual understanding and trust. It is our intention to cooperate in such programs to the maximum degree and to continue working to achieve further progress in Japan-China relations.

Please refer to ["Japan Year" and "China Year" in 2002] for details and events under consideration.

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