Meeting Between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng of the People's Republic of China (Summary)

(1) This year marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations, and the relationship between the two countries has developed smoothly to date.

(2) The safeguard issue that arose last year concerning three agricultural products, including welsh onions, was resolved through dialogue. In the future it is important to resolve such friction, when it arises, through dialogue.

(1) Bilateral and economic relations between Japan and China is proceeding smoothly. Last month, more than 10,000 Japanese nationals visited China and President Jiang Zemin delivered an important speech concerning Japan-China relations.

(2) China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will have a favorable effect on Japan-China economic relations. As Prime Minister Koizumi stated at the Boao Forum for Asia in April 2002, the economic development of China is an "opportunity" rather than a "threat" for Japan. While it is probable that the expansion of economic relations will generate friction, we should ensure that individual trade issues do not effect Japan-China relations as a whole.

(3) I have confidence in the future of the Chinese economy, and I am convinced that we can maintain an annual growth rate of around 7% for a certain period.

(4) It is hoped that the 2010 World Exposition can be held in Shanghai, and in this endeavor we would like to seek Japan's support (Prime Minister Koizumi responded that he would like to study the matter in a comprehensive manner).