Japan-China Relations
Foreign Minister Kishida Visits China
April 30, 2016
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan visited Beijing (China) from April 29 to May 1. During the visit, Foreign Minister Kishida held meetings on April 30 with H.E. Dr. Li Keqiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, a Member of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The overview of the visit is as follows.
At each of these meetings, Foreign Minister Kishida explained his view on the bilateral relationship between Japan and China that is appropriate to a new era, that is, increasing the positive and cooperative aspects of the relationship, as well as conducting candid exchanges and appropriately addressing difficult issues and concerns.
At each of these meetings, Foreign Minister Kishida explained his view on the bilateral relationship between Japan and China that is appropriate to a new era, that is, increasing the positive and cooperative aspects of the relationship, as well as conducting candid exchanges and appropriately addressing difficult issues and concerns.
- 1 Summary
- 2 Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and lunch event
- 3.Meeting with State Council Member Yang Jiechi
- 4.Courtesy call to State Council Premier Li Keqiang
1 Summary
April 29: Visit to Hiroshima University's Beijing Research Center in Capital Normal University
April 30: Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting, lunch hosted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meeting with State Council Member Yang Jiechi, and courtesy call to State Council Premier Li Keqiang
2 Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and lunch event
The meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi was the seventh meeting between the two Foreign Ministers and follows the meeting in November 2015. The two Foreign Ministers engaged in a candid and serious dialogue on a wide range of topics for over four hours. They agreed to move forward with high-level interaction and close communication between Japan and China. They confirmed that the two countries would continue discussions and cooperation toward the setting of a diplomatic schedule for 2016.
1.Reconfirmation of the importance of the relationship between Japan and China
Japan and China are important neighboring countries in close proximity to each other. Favorable bilateral relations benefit the people of both countries and are desired by the region and world. Japan and China should cooperate in addressing their many shared interests and common challenges.
2.Mutual efforts to make further improvements in the relationship
Based on the four basic documents between Japan and China and the four points, announced in November 2014, Japan and China should mutually make constructive efforts and seek to advance the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests." Japan and China reconfirm that they are "partners for cooperation and should not pose a threat to each other."
3.Importance of restoring mutual respect and esteem
Japan and China should make unwavering efforts to achieve mutual understanding and enhance mutual trust.
4.Importance of economic cooperation and private-level interactions among young people and others
Japan and China intend to expand positive aspects of the bilateral relationship by deepening shared interests and cooperating on common challenges. In particular, collaboration and cooperation for stability and development of the global economy that faces growing uncertainty are urgent issues, and the two countries should explore possibilities for cooperation. The two countries should also further promote private-level interactions, including at local-level and youth exchanges.
(1)Bilateral relationship between Japan and China
The two Foreign Ministers conducted a candid exchange of opinions regarding the Japan-China relationship and agreed to the following four points.1.Reconfirmation of the importance of the relationship between Japan and China
Japan and China are important neighboring countries in close proximity to each other. Favorable bilateral relations benefit the people of both countries and are desired by the region and world. Japan and China should cooperate in addressing their many shared interests and common challenges.
2.Mutual efforts to make further improvements in the relationship
Based on the four basic documents between Japan and China and the four points, announced in November 2014, Japan and China should mutually make constructive efforts and seek to advance the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests." Japan and China reconfirm that they are "partners for cooperation and should not pose a threat to each other."
3.Importance of restoring mutual respect and esteem
Japan and China should make unwavering efforts to achieve mutual understanding and enhance mutual trust.
4.Importance of economic cooperation and private-level interactions among young people and others
Japan and China intend to expand positive aspects of the bilateral relationship by deepening shared interests and cooperating on common challenges. In particular, collaboration and cooperation for stability and development of the global economy that faces growing uncertainty are urgent issues, and the two countries should explore possibilities for cooperation. The two countries should also further promote private-level interactions, including at local-level and youth exchanges.
(2)Bilateral cooperation regional and global issue
- With the aim of expanding positive aspects of the Japan-China relationship, Foreign Minister Kishida proposed cooperation in "five areas of cooperation" ((a) macro-economy, financial and monetary affairs, (b) energy-saving and the environment, (c) a low birthrate and an aging population, (d) tourism, and (e) disaster prevention) and "three common challenges" ((a) North Korea, (b) cooperation at the United Nations, and (c) counterterrorism and Middle Eastern affairs) where the two countries should place immediate emphasis. The Chinese side made a favorable reaction to this proposal.
- In this context, Foreign Minister Kishida conveyed the decision of the Japanese Government to approve measures for further relaxation of visa issuance for Chinese people to visit Japan as a way of promoting interaction between the two countries. Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed this decision.
- Regarding the North Korea issue, both sides expressed serious concerns about repeated provocative actions by North Korea, conducted a candid exchange of opinions, and agreed to closely collaborate, including on the strict implementation of the Security Council Resolution.
(3)Issues and concerns
- Foreign Minister Kishida acknowledged that there are always issues and concerns between the two countries, as they are neighboring countries, but the two countries should engage in candid dialogue and appropriately address areas where differences of opinion exist.
- The two Foreign Ministers subsequently exchanged candid opinions on the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the issue of public sentiment, history, Taiwan, and other matters.
3.Meeting with State Council Member Yang Jiechi
This was Foreign Minister Kishida's first meeting with State Council Member Yang Jiechi. They agreed to prepare an appropriate diplomatic schedule and accumulate high-level dialogue and concrete cooperation toward early realization of Japan-China Summit Meeting, using the current visit by Foreign Minister Kishida as a starting point.
4.Courtesy call to State Council Premier Li Keqiang
Foreign Minister Kishida and Premier Li Keqiang agreed on the importance of making further improvements to the bilateral relationship between Japan and China from a broader perspective. They agreed to strengthen cooperation, particularly in economic areas, including cooperation aimed at stabilizing and developing the global economy, a pressing issue for both countries. The Chinese side agreed on cooperation in the "five areas of cooperation" proposed by the Japanese side.
Premier Li Keqiang mentioned the valuable achievements of former Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira for the Japan-China relationship and praised his political approach inherited by his followers.
Premier Li Keqiang mentioned the valuable achievements of former Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira for the Japan-China relationship and praised his political approach inherited by his followers.