Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Japan and the People's Republic China on the Occasion of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences
(Outline)

July 30, 2002

On the occasion of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences in Brunei on 30 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan of the People's Republic of China for approximately one hour from 10:30 am Japanese time. (Attendees: Chinese side: Vice Minister Wang Yi, and others; Japanese side: Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director-General Hitoshi Tanaka, and others). The following is an outline of the meeting.

1. Overall Japan-China Relations

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
Following the visit of 5,000 people from China to Japan in May 2002, it is planned that 10,000 Japanese will be dispatched to China at the end of September and these people will expand the wave of exchange in every region of the country. Based on the common foundation of "taking history as the mirror and looking toward the future," Japan recognizes that it is of utmost importance to accumulate such exchange activities on the national level and in so doing deepen mutual understanding and mutual trust. In addition, Japan would like to hold the Japan-China Deputy Foreign Minister Level Consultations.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
Japan and China are neighboring countries and they both have an important influence in the Asian region. It is necessary for the fundamental and long-term benefit of both countries, and also for the development and prosperity of the region as a whole that stable and sound Japan-China relations are developed. In particular, 2002 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations, and this is an important new starting point for renewed development in the two countries' relations. The Government of China values the significant results the two countries have achieved to date, and will endeavor to develop good neighborly relations in the new century. Based on three important political documents, including the Japan-China Joint Communique, we must both make efforts together. Regarding the spirit of "taking history as the mirror and looking toward the future," China would like to promote bilateral cooperation and further promote the building of a Partnership of Friendship and Cooperation for Peace and Development. Concerning the Japan-China Deputy Foreign Minister Level Consultations, it is agreed that this measure should be implemented swiftly. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi has not visited China since her appointment as Foreign Minister, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend a formal invitation. I look forward to the Minister's visit in the near future and would like to begin working level coordination for such a visit with respect to a specific date.

(3) In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
I would like to express my gratitude to Foreign Minister Tang for the invitation. Since being appointed Foreign Minister I have wanted to visit China. I am considering a visit at the beginning of September and would like to make concrete coordination at the working level.

2. Historical Perspectives

(1) Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
Japan and China share a broad range of common benefits. Active measures should be further taken and we must work to deal appropriately with a variety of issues. The issue of historical awareness is one that is acutely sensitive in both countries. The visit to Yasukuni Shrine has hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. I would like the Japanese side to sufficiently recognize the sensitivity and gravity of this issue and ensure that the feelings of the Chinese people are not hurt again.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
I am very well aware that the issue of historical awareness is a very difficult one. The Japanese side has communicated Prime Minister Koizumi's view on this matter to the Chinese side taking various opportunities. I would like to state again that Prime Minister Koizumi made a decision after considering overall various situations and circumstances.

3. The Unidentified Vessel Issue

(1) Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
Concerning the salvage operation of the vessel, cooperation is ongoing between Japan and China. I would like to request the provision of information from the Japanese side concerning the status of the operation. In addition, I would like to see a prompt resolution to the issue of loss to the fishing industry.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
Currently, close cooperation between Japan and China is ongoing, and I would like to see this cooperation continue. Due to the fact that there have been many typhoons in 2002, work has been delayed, but we are endeavoring to salvage the vessel as quickly as possible. Concerning the fishery issue, coordination is currently progressing through the authorities concerned. The Japanese position is that we will continue to seriously consider the requests of the Chinese side and respond to them in good faith as soon as possible.

4. Securing Food Safety

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
Concerning the issues of residual pesticides in frozen Chinese spinach, and that of the detrimental effects to people's health from Chinese-made health food products, consultations are continuing between Japanese and Chinese authorities and I expect that each side is prepared to engage in an adequate exchange of information and smooth communication. (Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained, based on her own experiences at Suntory Ltd., that concerns of Japanese consumers regarding food safety are heightening)

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
I am aware that the authorities concerned are consulting on this issue. China has always placed great importance on environment and food safety and the authorities concerned in China are enhancing their management, quarantine and inspection. At the same time, reports concerning the current incident in Japan have in part been somewhat exaggerated, and some bias has also been seen. Both countries should deal with the matter in a calm and appropriate manner through friendly consultations. Prior to that, however, I would hope for the Japanese side not to take unilateral action in this matter.

5. Japan-China Economic Partnership Consultations

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
In an environment where economic exchange between Japan and China is deepening and broadening, it is unavoidable that various issues will arise. From the perspective of preventing such issues before they occur, in April 2002 on the occasion of the meeting the Boao Forum for Asia, Prime Minister Koizumi and Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Zhu Rongji agreed on the establishment of Japan-China Economic Partnership Consultations. I would like to realize promptly the holding of the first such consultations.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
Both sides have already achieved a good deal of common recognition concerning the establishment of the Partnership Consultations, and I hope that these consultations will be launched in the near future. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation has almost completed the necessary coordination within the government, and takes a very positive stance on the Consultations.

6. Incident at the Japanese Consulate-General in Shenyang

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
Concerning this matter, as was stated in a previous meeting, it is important that both countries, calmly recognizing the macroscopic picture of Japan-China relations, proceed with consultations to prevent any reoccurrences of such incidents. Concerning a specific method for advancing consultations, I have received a report that through a series of talks between the diplomatic authorities of our two countries, both sides have agreed upon a future direction, and I would like to proceed along such a line. I have previously conveyed the fact that the incident at the Japanese Consulate-General in Shenyang produced a grim atmosphere in Japan, and I would like to point out that Japan's position remains unchanged.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
Concerning this matter, as I stated at the last meeting in Thailand, China's position can be encapsulated in the following four basic points. Firstly, respect for the facts; secondly, a calm response to the matter; thirdly proceeding in a forward-looking manner; and fourthly, preventing the occurrence of a similar incident and making joint efforts to ensure that such an incident does not influence overall relations between Japan and China. With regard to this matter, I agree that necessary consultations should take place on work to compile a consular treaty or other documents in order to enhance consular cooperation.

(3) In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
Japan basically shares the four basic points that you have just outlined. However, concerning the facts, each side's stance is different. At any rate, I would like to proceed calmly with consultations to prevent a reoccurrence.

(Reference) Results of coordination between the diplomatic authorities of Japan and China concerning the future direction on this issue (announcement made at a press briefing after the Foreign Ministers Meeting)

(1) The stance of each country concerning the incident at the Japanese Consulate-General in Shenyang has been made clear through a series of consultations between the diplomatic authorities of each country.

(2) At the same time, both sides believe that such an incident, which was unfortunate for the Japan-China relationship, should not reoccur. In order to prevent a reoccurrence, based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, both countries have agreed to deal with the matter swiftly and in a forward-looking manner.

(3) Specifically, at the meeting of Foreign Ministers from both countries which took place on 19 June 2002 in Thailand, it was agreed that consultations should proceed to prevent a reoccurrence of this incident, including the possibility of concluding a consular treaty or agreement. In addition, given the greater movement of people between Japan and China, bearing in mind that the importance of a solution to consular-related issues is increasing, the diplomatic authorities of both countries have agreed to implement consultations toward the end of August.

(4) The Japanese side would like to conduct such consultations between diplomatic authorities at the Deputy Director-General level. In such consultations, from the perspective of preventing a reoccurrence, in addition to examining the possibility of the conclusion of a consular treaty or agreement, as has been proposed by the Chinese side, the Japanese side would like to undertake specific consultations on the establishment of emergency contact rules between the Japanese and Chinese authorities concerned, and strengthen smooth communication between consular establishments and local police forces in each other's country.

7. The Issue of North Korea

(1) Foreign Minister Tang made the following statement:
At the moment there are a number of new movements appearing that should be carefully monitored concerning the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The movements are basically proceeding in a positive direction and positive signals continue to be forthcoming from North Korea, which the Republic of Korea and the United States of America are carefully monitoring. China's stance concerning the situation on the Korean Peninsula is twofold: firstly, the promotion of alleviation of tensions, and secondly our expectation for a further improvement of relations between the Republic of Korea and North Korea, between the United States and North Korea, and between Japan and North Korea. From this perspective I would like to continue to call on all parties concerned. I actually intend to hold talks with Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun of North Korea at the Conferences and after the meeting I am scheduled to pay a visit to Seoul for one day. From what I hear, important meetings are also taking place between Japan and North Korea and this is something that is good and which I support. I hope the meetings taking place between Japan and North Korea will be a success.

(2) In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statement:
On my previous visit to the Republic of Korea, I confirmed with both President Kim Dae Jung and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Choi Sung Hong that to alleviate tensions on the Korea Peninsula, it would be important for the various issues surrounding North Korea to be resolved through dialogue among the countries concerned, and also that the promotion of dialogue be to the benefit of North Korea itself. Concerning the recent positive signals emanating from North Korea, I too highly evaluate these developments. I expect to be able to hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Paek of North Korea tomorrow.