Provisional Translation
Japan-China Foreign Ministers Meeting
August
28, 2000
China and Mongolia Division, Asian Affairs Bureau
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On August 28 Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono,
during a visit to China, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Tang
Jiaxuan. The meeting, which took place from 17:30 to 20:30 Japan time, lasted
about an hour longer than the initially scheduled two hours.
The two exchanged views on (1) Japan-China relations in
general, particularly the preparations for a visit to Japan by Premier of the
State Council Zhu Rongji, and (2) issues that need to be dealt with by both
countries, including (a) the activities of Chinese marine research vessels and
Navy vessels and (b) Japan's economic cooperation with China.
After the meeting Foreign Minister Kono attended a dinner
hosted by Foreign Minister Tang, when they discussed only social topics.
1. Japan-China Relations
a. Japan-China relations overall
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan stated that Japan-China relations are basically developing healthily, that he agrees with the Chinese policy of placing importance on relations with Japan, as elaborated by Chinese President Jiang Zemin in an important discourse in May, and that he intends to continue working toward this end. He said that promoting a friendly and cooperative Japan-China partnership agreed to when President Jiang visited Japan in 1998 is of importance and that for this reason he hopes to actively draw forth positive elements and suppress negative ones. Foreign Minister Kono expressed his approval of these remarks and said he felt the visit to Japan by Premier Zhu would offer a good opportunity for further development of the bilateral relationship.
b. Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Japan
(i) The two agreed to schedule Premier Zhu Rongji's visit at the invitation of the Government of Japan from October 12 to 17. Each affirmed that the visit would be the most important diplomatic event between Japan and China this year and promised to cooperate closely for its success. They agreed that as part of the preparations, the eighteenth round of senior-working-level (Deputy-Minister-level) diplomatic consultations would take place in Tokyo in late September.
(ii) In response to a remark by Foreign Minister Tang that China would like to officially open the Tokyo-Beijing hot line at the time of Premier Zhu's visit, Foreign Minister Kono said that it would be important for both Japan and China to make efforts. In regard to the 33 items of cooperation agreed upon when President Jiang came to Japan, Foreign Minister Kono said it would be desirable to review the degree of progress during Premier Zhu's visit, especially progress in youth exchange and cooperation in intellectual exchange, which is to be a subject of joint research by major Japanese and Chinese think tanks starting in September. Foreign Minister Kono also said a top-level exchange of views on information technology would be of significance.
2. Activities by Chinese Marine Research Vessels and Navy Vessels
a. Marine research vessels
(i) Noting that Japan does not allow marine research activities in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or above its part of the continental shelf without prior consent and that there has been no explanation from the Chinese side of the purpose or subject of the marine research, Foreign Minister Kono spoke of the serious mood that has developed in Japan because of the rise of discontent, saying he feared this could influence Japan-China relations. He went on to ask for Chinese restraint and for a framework for mutual prior notification.
(ii) Foreign Minister Tang replied that the core of the problem is that Japan and China have not drawn an EEZ boundary line. Then both sides agreed to establish a new framework for mutual prior notification, provided that it does not have an influence on the respective stances of the two countries on boundary demarcation.1 It was thereupon decided to pursue working-level consultation on the issue promptly.
(iii) Both sides acknowledged the importance of resolving the question of boundary demarcation for the EEZ and above the continental shelf. They agreed on holding the third Japan-China Consultations on Issues Related to the Law of the Sea in late September in Beijing.2
Note 1. On boundary demarcation, specific ideas for how to
draw an equidistant line or what waters to make subject to prior notification
were not discussed; the details are to be left to working-level talks.
Note 2. Asian Affairs Bureau Counsellor chairs the talks. Boundary demarcation,
marine research activities and other issues will be discussed.
b. Navy vessels
(i) Commenting that the Chinese naval activities in waters near Japan in May and July were injurious to relations of trust between Japan and China, Foreign Minister Kono appealed strongly for restraint. This is not a matter where all would be fine if there were an explanation, he said, but the nature and purpose of the activities ought at least to be explained to the Japanese side. He asked that Japan-China security talks be held more frequently in order to foster ongoing relations of trust.
(ii) In response, Foreign Minister Tang declared that the circumstances causing concern to the Japanese no longer exist.1 His opinion, he said, is that both countries need to enhance mutual trust through a dialogue on defense and security affairs.
Note 1. It is thought his meaning is that for the time being China will undertake no Navy vessel activities like those recently conducted in waters near Japan.
3. Economic Relations (Economic Cooperation with China)
a. Developments in economic cooperation with China
(i) Foreign Minister Tang said that Japan's economic cooperation with his country is regarded as very helpful for its economic development. He said that a reception will be held in October to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the start of this cooperation and that some Chinese dignitaries plan to attend.
(ii) In response, Foreign Minister Kono explained that factors including China's insufficiently transparent defense policy and its inadequately explained economic support for third countries are involved in a rising mood of dissatisfaction with China in Japan with regard to Japan's economic cooperation toward China. He reported that in mid-July a discussion group was set up to consider the future picture of economic cooperation with China, and he emphasized that the understanding and support of the people of both countries are indispensable for making cooperation go smoothly.
(iii) Foreign Minister Tang replied that China is also making efforts by publishing a defense white paper and other documents to enhance the transparency of its defense policy and that those who consult such public sources should be able to understand the policy. He went on to say that Japan-China economic cooperation cannot be easily compared to the support China extends to third countries, which has been going on ever since the People's Republic of China was founded under a policy devised by President Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai and which is in the nature of so-called South-South cooperation or "cooperation among poor friends."
Note: There was no exchange of views on special yen loans.
b. China's investment environment and "the great development of the west"
(i) Foreign Minister Tang reported that the Government of China is currently engaged in detailed planning for "the great development of the west". At the earliest, the plans should be unveiled prior to Premier Zhu's Japan visit, he observed, expressing hope for Japan's understanding and cooperation. He proposed that Japan-China cooperation in the science, technology field and the environmental field be considered.
(ii) Foreign Minister Kono responded that while China may be hoping for investment from Japan, there has not been much progress with respect to the investment environment, where outstanding questions include debt resolution of such nonbanks as the Guangdong International Trust and Investment Corporation (GITIC), restrictions on steel imports, the new management system for importing materials and exporting processed goods, approval of insurance companies, and recognition of local Japanese chambers of commerce and industry. He appealed for the settlement of such problems, saying that because of them, Japanese companies view investment in China as carrying big risks.
(iii) Foreign Minister Tang replied that repayment of debts would be handled in accordance with the law, guided by the principles of openness, fairness, and justice. He expressed hope that the interests of debtors would receive maximum protection and said that in view of the good relations with Japanese financial institutions thus far, he intended to continue giving careful consideration to the situation of debtors henceforth. He is aware, he noted, of Japanese companies with a wish to advance into the insurance field, and he indicated a desire to continue studying the matter, saying that the insurance field is an area where the speed of opening should be accelerated.
4. Issues Concerning Taiwan
After explaining China's principles on issues concerning Taiwan, Foreign Minister Tang expressed the desire that the Government of Japan take a cautious approach toward a visit to Japan by Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan's former leader, saying that this is an extremely sensitive issue to China.
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