Internet Press Chat Conference, 13 April 2007

Visit to Japan by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China
The kick-off meeting of the Japan-China High-level Economic Dialogue

I. Visit to Japan by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China

Assistant Press Secretary Noriyuki Shikata: My first announcement today is that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will leave Japan tonight after visiting Kyoto and Osaka.

Yesterday morning, Premier Wen gave a speech to the Diet (Japanese Parliament). In his speech, he referred to the history issues between Japan and the People's Republic of China, and presented his views on the need to further promote mutual trust and exchanges between the two peoples, concluding his remarks by saying that we should strive for peace and development of Asia and the world. We regard this speech as an expression of Premier Wen's thought and determination to further promote future Japan-China relations, and view it positively.

Related Information (Press Release)

II. The kick-off meeting of the Japan-China High-level Economic Dialogue

Mr. Shikata: Also, yesterday afternoon, a kick-off meeting of the Japan-China High-level Economic Dialogue was held.

Key members of this Dialogue from the Japanese side are: Foreign Minister Taro Aso as Chairman, Finance Minister Koji Omi, Minister of Economic, Trade and Industry Akira Amari, and Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Hiroko Ota.

Key members from the Chinese side are: Vice Premier Zing Peiyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Zaoxing, Minister of State Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, and Minister of Finance Jin Renqing. Other Ministers will also participate depending on the agenda of the Dialogue.

The major outcome of the meeting is the following.

It was agreed that the First Dialogue will be held in Beijing later this year, and further details will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

As we can see, this visit of Premier Wen to Japan has already demonstrated significant progress in building the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests" that was announced at Prime Minister Abe's visit to China in October last year.

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