Meeting Between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng of the People's Republic of China (Summary)
On 18 October, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi met with Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng of the People's Republic of China, who had come to Japan to attend the 12th Joint Conference of Japan-China Investment Promotion Organization and China-Japan Investment Promotion Committee. The following is a summary of the meeting.
1. Minister Shi stated in his opening statement that, over the thirty years since the normalization of Japan-China relations, the economic relationship between the two countries has developed significantly and has become an important foundation for friendly relations, further contributing to the development of Asia. He stated that the convening of the first meeting of the Japan-China Economic Partnership Consultation in Beijing on 15 October was of great significance.
2. In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statements.
(1) The liberalization of trade has brought about the enlargement of the global economy in the post-war period. From this perspective, the accession of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is commendable achievement. It can be expected that the expansion of bilateral trade and investment will deepen economic ties between both countries.
(2) China is expected to implement the commitments made by China at the accession to the WTO. In particular, Japan hopes that China will redouble its efforts to protect the trade-related intellectual property rights.
(3) It is expected that the Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which is being advanced by Japan, and China's efforts toward a China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement will lead to the development of the East Asian region as a whole.
3. Minister Shi made the following statements.
(1) Since its accession to the WTO, China has been making active efforts to implement the pledges steadily.
(2) Concerning trade friction in agricultural and fishery products, it is necessary for the issue to be resolved through friendly negotiations and for efforts to be made to ensure that the friction does not escalate.
(3) It would be difficult to accept a conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Japan and Taiwan and there are concerns that it could have a negative effect on Japan-China relations.
4. Finally, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi made the following statements.
(1) Concerning the issue of "food safety", with my own experience of working in a food-related company, I would like China to understand Japanese consumers' great sensitivity over this issue.
(2) Concerning a FTA between Japan and Taiwan, currently the private sector is carrying out a research on this matter. Japan's position on Taiwan is as stated in the Joint Communiqué of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China. As I stated to Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan on my visit to China in September, Japan is not considering concluding an international agreement with Taiwan.
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