Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conference on:
Visit of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
to the People's Republic of China

Speaker: Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto
Title: Prime Minister
Date: 6 September 1997
Time: 10:00 to 10:30
Location: Shangri-la Hotel, Beijing

Note: This transcript was provisionally prepared based on a simultaneous translation of the press conference.

1. Introduction to the press conference
2. Opening remarks by the Prime Minister
3. Japan-China relations
4. Visit to the northeast region of China by the Prime Minister
5. Review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation
6. Issue of Taiwan
7. Future of Japan-China relations
8. Senkaku Islands issue
9. Upcoming Liberal Democratic Party elections

1. Introduction to the press conference

   Official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Thank you for waiting, ladies and gentlemen. We would like to begin the press conference of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan. First of all, I would like to ask the Prime Minister of Japan to make his statement.

2. Opening remarks by the Prime Minister

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your attendance. Before beginning this press conference, I would like to say that my visit to China this time was very splendid and significant. At the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, I was able to make this visit during this commemorative year of the 25th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Japan and China. It is indeed a great pleasure for me to visit China, which is one of the most important countries for Japan. Yesterday and the day before yesterday, I was able to conduct a fruitful exchange of opinions with President Jiang Zemin, Premier Li Peng and other leaders of the People's Republic of China. Following this, I will be visiting the two cities of Shenyang and Dalian in the northeast region of China. There, I will be able to observe the state of development in the local areas of China. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to contemplate the future of relations between Japan and China, while looking straight at the history. In retrospect, since my meeting with President Jiang Zemin in Manila last November, the status of Japan-China relations has evolved into an environment which enables us to jointly celebrate the 25th anniversary of the normalization of the relations. I come to China this time strongly wishing to solidify this desirable direction, and to put our relations on a stable track. During my visit, I exchanged views with the leaders of the Government of China on a broad range of issues such as Japan-China bilateral relations, international situations, as well as cooperation on global issues. Through these discussions, I am confident that we were able to confirm the basis for the furthering of our relations, to construct a foundation for building up the relationship of trust between the leaders and to strengthen the relationship of dialogue and cooperation into the coming first quarter century. We agreed to have visits at the leaders' level to one of the countries at least once a year. As a follow-up to this, we would like to make efforts toward the visit of Premier Li Peng in November, as well as the visit of President Jiang Zemin next year, in order to further the solidification of Japan-China relations. Yesterday, in the speech I delivered at the National School of Administration, I stated the importance of promoting dialogue and cooperation between Japan and China, aiming at furthering Japan-China relations. I emphasized that both Japan and China should engage in discussions and cooperate on a broad spectrum of issues, contemplating the Asia-Pacific region and the whole of the world in the 21st century. While the areas where both countries must advance cooperation will be indeed broad, I consider it particularly important to construct a relationship of trust in the area of security through expanding dialogue. Recently, I have noted that China has expressed strong interest in issues related to the Japan-U.S. security arrangements, among other things, the review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. At our summit meeting the day before yesterday, I explained our basic stance to Premier Li Peng. Also, in all the meetings with other leaders, we discussed this issue, explaining our basic line of thought. I am confident that this summit, as well as other meetings, produced a certain result in promoting and enhancing the level of understanding vis-à-vis our mutual positions. As for the Japan-China cooperation on global issues, I have proposed an initiative during this visit entitled, Japan-China Environmental Cooperation toward the 21st Century, and have obtained concurrence by the Chinese, in principle. This initiative is comprised of two pillars, namely environmental information networks and designation of model cities. I would like to see both Japan and China work together on global environmental issues such as air pollution, where both countries could influence other nations and expect that the mutual efforts of Japan and China could bear fruit. Also, immediately prior to my visit this time, there was agreement, in principle, on a new fisheries agreement. There was also substantial progress in bilateral trade negotiation towards China's early accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Progress on both of these issues are the result of the repeated negotiations in good faith by both Japan and China. I would like to pay my deepest tribute to the people involved in such negotiations. Diplomatic notes were signed and exchanged for the yen loan for this fiscal year. Furthermore, there has been progress regarding cultural exchanges. I believe this cooperation on practical aspects is the foundation of the mutual trust that I would like to see developed into the future. I would like to conclude my remarks by extending my heartfelt gratitude to the warm welcome that the Chinese people have extended during my visit to China, as well as the very detailed preparation for my visit. Thank you very much.

   Official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We would now like to open the floor for questions. If you have any questions, please raise your hand.

3. Japan-China relations

   Q: You mentioned that in the triangular relationship among Japan, the United States and China, that you want to particularly strengthen the relations between Japan and China. At your meeting with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng, were you able to have a good dialogue, expressing real intentions?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: In order to ensure and consolidate peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, a good and stable relationship among Japan, the United States and China is indispensable. In this sense, the respective bilateral relationships between Japan and China, Japan and the United States, and the United States and China can have a plus-sum effect, providing good potential for growth. Out of the triangular relationship, and with my visit to China this time, I want very much to see progress particularly made in the relationship between the Japan-China side of that triangular relationship. Over yesterday and the day before, I met with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng and other Chinese leaders, and was able to have a wide-ranging dialogue covering many issues. While we were able to have mutual understanding of each other's viewpoints, at the same time, we were able to recognize the difference of views that we have. In that sense, we were able to have a good dialogue in depth. We were able to confirm the foundation for the furthering of the Japan-China relationship. I also believe that we were able to establish a good foundation which will lead us toward a broader Japan-China relationship in the future. In that sense, I think that we were able to have a candid dialogue.

4. Visit to the northeast region of China by the Prime Minister

   Q: At present, we have seen the 25th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Japan and China. There are certain factors that are affecting the stability of this relationship. There is the question of Taiwan, as well as the question of the perception of history by the Government of Japan. What is the position of the Japanese Government regarding these two points? Japanese ministers sometimes make comments regarding the past history, distorting the history, sometimes hurting the feelings of the Chinese people. Prime Minister, do you have any good measures to counter such problems?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: First and foremost, I must point out that in Japan as well as many other countries, there are many people who express their different ideas. That is the system that we have in our country, which I hope that you can understand. On that condition, I would like to say definitely that some comments do not really follow the true intentions of the Government of Japan or those of the vast majority of the Japanese people. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Government of Japan expressed its resolution through the statement by the Prime Minister, which states that during a certain period in the past, Japan's conduct caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, including China, and the Prime Minister expressed his feeling of deep remorse and stated his heartfelt apology, while giving his word to make efforts for peace. I myself was one of the ministers who was involved in drafting this statement. I would like to repeat that this is the official position of the Government of Japan. During the summit meeting that I had during my visit to China, I have made this point very clear in a frank manner to the Chinese side. Premier Li Peng said that he concurs completely with my remarks. There is one more point that I would like to make. Immediately after this press conference, I will visit the northeastern region of China, which is the first time for a Japanese prime minister to visit this region since the end of World War II. I am going to visit the War Memorial Museum, looking straight at the past history. I wanted to experience the real fruit of friendship and cooperation as we look toward the future. I have selected this itinerary myself, because of the hope that I just expressed.

5. Review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation

   Q: I have a question about the review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. You have had a series of meetings during this visit. China has expressed a concern over the review. Do you think that this meeting has enabled you to dispel and ease the concern that the Chinese people had on this matter? Also, Premier Li Peng is saying that he would like to wait before making evaluation until he sees the conclusion on the review. Could you tell us what kind of process you are planning to follow for finalizing that report?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: At the summit meeting we had this time, and also at meetings with other Chinese leaders, I have explained the position of Japan in details regarding the review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, as well as the issue of Taiwan. I believe that we were able to deepen the understanding that Chinese side had on the position taken by Japan. But, despite that understanding, it does not necessarily mean that they actually agreed with this position. I feel that there still remains concern on the part of the Chinese side. As for the establishment of the Guidelines after the review, we need to ensure transparency, in order to enhance the understanding that the review does not address specific situations. We will fully take into account the importance of ensuring transparency in our process. We are prepared to give a full explanation of the results of the review to the Chinese side. I have already expressed our intention on this point to the Chinese side. As you say, the Chinese side said that they would like to wait until such explanation is given before making an evaluation on this matter. I believe that the very fact that we made such exchange of views is one of the achievements of the summit meeting this time. What is needed here is to have a dialogue on security matters between the two countries and to strengthen the direct exchange among defense-related officials. Through such explanations, the effort to explain the facts to dispel such concern needs to continue into the future.

6. Issue of Taiwan

   Q: You have met with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng. In your speech yesterday, you mentioned that the Government of Japan would abide by the Joint Communiqué and the Peace and Friendship Treaty, and not accept "two Chinas." However, some Japanese high officials have recently stated that Taiwan is in the scope of the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. I think that this runs counter to the spirit of the Treaty. What is your view on this?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: At the summit meeting, I have repeatedly explained that what is called "situations in areas surrounding Japan" in the review of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation is not a geographical concept. This is a concept which looks at the nature of a situation. Here at this press conference, I would like to repeat the same point. In addition to that, with respect to the issue of Taiwan, as it says in paragraph three of the Japan-China Joint Communiqué, the Government of Japan fully understands and respects the stand of the People's Republic of China that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. I and the Government of Japan have taken the position, we are currently taking the position, and we will take the position in the future that we would not support the idea of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." At the same time, we strongly hope that the issues involving Taiwan would be resolved by peaceful means by the parties concerned, and I mentioned this during the summit meeting as well.

   Official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: I would now like to invite questions from the foreign press corps in Beijing.

   Q: Prime Minister, you just pointed out that the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty involves situational rather than geographical issues and that you do not want to define the boundaries geographically. However, am I correct in understanding that you left some ambiguity with the Chinese Government? And, is it true that you did not absolutely guarantee that there might not be some situation arising which involves Taiwan and in which Japan might become involved?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: I have told you exactly what I told my Chinese counterparts at the summit. I have also been repeatedly expressing our hope that the issue be resolved by peaceful means between those on both sides of the Strait. In the review process, we are not addressing specific regions. I suggest you ask for U.S. confirmation on this as well as mine. We cannot have a discussion over something which is hypothetical. The peace of the Taiwan Strait is being maintained. That is a firm belief that I have as far as my evaluation of the situation is concerned. I refer to the Japan-China Joint Communiqué, a part of which I have read out. As I read the content of the Joint Communiqué , we respect the stand of the People's Republic of China on this matter. Moreover, we hope that this issue can be resolved peacefully.

7. Future of Japan-China relations

   Q: As we greet the 25th anniversary of the normalization of the relations between the two countries, what is your general assessment? What kind of prospect do you see in respect to the future of the relations between the two countries, looking at the next quarter of a century?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: Looking back over the past 25 years of history, I have come to the following conclusion. Both Japan and China have completely different systems. Despite that, we have overcome these differences and maintain friendly relations. Consequently, this relationship has produced benefits to both nations. I believe this is an invaluable fact proven by the history of the past quarter of a century. The bilateral relations over the past 25 years have developed enormously in a remarkable way without compromise. For example, in the area of trade, China is Japan's second largest trading partner in the world. Japan is China's largest trading partner in the world. This is the state to which our two countries have come. The people's lives of both countries have been firmly connected because of the active trading that is conducted. Economic cooperation between the two countries was steadily implemented, in order to support the Chinese open and reform policy. And it has made an enormous contribution for the expansion of the relations between the two countries. The day before yesterday, there was a signing conducted on the diplomatic notes for the provision of yen loan for this fiscal year. In addition to that, we have certain areas of cooperation that we would like to strengthen -- cultural cooperation, environmental cooperation, as well as food and energy. There are areas in which we would like to step up our cooperation. I am convinced that we can cooperate in such ways. Regarding these practical issues, the leaders of both countries wanted to be able to talk frankly -- and we did just that. I believe that was the greatest consequence of the past 25 years of history. At the same time, we have the Peace and Friendship Treaty, as well as the Joint Communiqué between the two countries, which are the basis of the relationship between our two countries. We cannot change those important principles. On the other hand, these documents were created to normalize the abnormal situations which had existed in the past. So, the challenge for us is what we can build on what we have accomplished so far. Responding to the changes surrounding us, we would like to seek the broadening, deepening, and sophistication of relations between the two countries. From now on, I believe that we are going to step into an area where we will see the broadening, deepening and sophistication of our relations.

8. Senkaku Islands issue

   Q: You speak of building trust in the relations of Japan and China. One thing that Chinese leaders have asked the Japanese Government to do for the past year is to keep its citizens off of the contested Senkaku Islands. Yesterday, the Japanese Coast Guard did just that. Is this a new policy of the Government of Japan? Will Japanese citizens no longer be allowed to travel to these islands? Is this intended as a confidence-building measure for China.

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: With regard to the position that we are taking vis-à-vis the Senkaku Islands issue, I think you already know what our position is. The positions taken by Japan and China on these islands do differ. However, the overall good and important relations between Japan and China should not be harmed by such differences. On this point, we agree, that this particular issue should not disturb the overall relationship. Yesterday, there were people who tried to land, but gave up the notion of landing on the island. There is nothing for me to add further on this point.

9. Upcoming Liberal Democratic Party elections

   Q: Most knowledgeable observers of Japanese politics expect that following your reelection later this month as President of the Liberal Democratic Party, you will reshuffle your Cabinet. Many times during the new Cabinet members' first meeting with the press, they have made remarks that have angered China on history, on textbooks and various events. Are you going to exercise special care in selecting Cabinet members, or warn those Cabinet members that anything that they might say could undo the efforts that you have made in Beijing this week?

   Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto: I hope that the Japanese reporters will exercise moderation in asking questions to the new ministers. Japanese politicians have a responsibility to respond to any questions. Even if there are questions which might influence international situations and are formally presented, Japanese politicians will have to respond to such questions. Furthermore, whatever country a politician belongs to, whatever Cabinet a member belongs to, an inadvertent comment can cause turmoil in international situations. Whoever you are, you should refrain from making such comments which might cause turmoil in the international situation. I do not know whether I will be selected as the President of the Liberal Democratic Party, but at least that was the spirit which guided my action. Even with my determination in such a regard, sometimes my actions caused certain problems. Wherever you are in the world, whatever country you belong to, you make comments and statements, and sometimes those comments create superfluous problems in your relations with other countries. I think we should do whatever we can to avoid such occurrences.

   Official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Regrettably, time is limited. With this, I would like to close the press conference with Prime Minister Hashimoto. Thank you, members of the press.