Japan-China Summit Meeting
July 9, 1999
Asian Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A limited-attendance Japan-China summit meeting was held between Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and Premier Zhu Rongji for approximately 45 minutes from 9:30 A.M. on July 9. This was followed by a general meeting of approximately 70 minutes, the content of which is outlined below. The main members of the Japanese delegation were Minister of Home Affairs Takeshi Noda, Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Muneo Suzuki, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Seiko Noda, Ambassador to China Sakutaro Tanino, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Tamba, and Director-General of the Asian Affairs Bureau Koreshige Anami. The main members of the Chinese delegation were Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan, Ambassador to Japan Chen Jian, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, and Deputy Director of the Department of Asian Affairs Ning Fukui. The talks were conducted in a very warm and relaxed atmosphere.
LIMITED-ATTENDANCE MEETING
1. Japan-China relations in general
Opening the meeting, Premier Zhu offered a warm welcome, for which Prime Minister Obuchi expressed his gratitude. Both leaders affirmed that Japan-China relations had entered into a new phase as a result of President Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan the previous year, when both countries had reviewed their recognition of history and affirmed broad-ranging mutual understanding, jointly announcing the creation of a "Partnership of Friendship and Cooperation for Peace and Development". Premier Zhu also expressed his satisfaction over the subsequent development of Japan-China relations.
2. History
Prime Minister Obuchi noted that in-depth discussions had taken place during President Jiang's visit to Japan the previous year, with Prime Minister Obuchi expressing a sincere attitude toward history. He continued with a reaffirmation of the mutual understanding that the two nations had obtained from these discussions, and of Japan's intention on the basis of this understanding to look at history squarely and to continue to contribute to peace through concrete action so that both countries could build a road together into the future. (Premier Zhu's statement in this regard appears at the end of the "General meeting" section.)
3. Japan's defense policy (including Taiwan)
(A) Prime Minister Obuchi provided the following explanation:
(1) Based on its sense of remorse over its past actions, in the postwar period Japan has consistently pursued its course as a nation devoted to peace under its peace Constitution. There is, and will be, no change whatsoever in Japan's basic stance, which includes firmly maintaining its exclusively defense-oriented policy, adhering to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, and never becoming a military power.
(2) The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangement has contributed to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region for the past 40 years. They are purely defensive in nature and are not directed against any specific country or region.
(3) Legislation related to the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation is within the purposes of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
(4) The Guidelines-related legislation enhances transparency by articulating the possible measures by Japan in response to "situations in the areas surrounding Japan." This legislation also makes clear that the activities on the part of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in such situations will be subject to approval by the Diet. It also articulates that Japan will not resort to the use of force or pose a threat by force.
(5) When it comes to the implementation of the legislation, decisions as to whether a "situation in the areas surrounding Japan" as defined by the law has taken place, and what kind of measures may be taken in response to such a situation, will be made by Japan on the basis of its own judgment from the viewpoint of securing its own national interests.
(6) Japan's defense policy is as outlined above. Under this policy, Japan will consider its friendly relations with China as a significant factor affecting its important national interests. The Prime Minister stated his belief that therefore China will have no cause for worry.
(7) The Japanese Government's position with regard to Taiwan is clearly set forth in the Japan-China Joint Communique of 1972. Paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique states that the Government of Japan fully understands and respects the stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China in regard to Taiwan, and that it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation. It is inconceivable that Japan would assist or support Taiwan's independence. There is no change in Japan's understanding that there is one China, as shown in the Joint Communique.
(8) The issue regarding both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be resolved peacefully through talks among the Chinese people themselves. The Government of Japan welcomes the intention of the Government of the People's Republic of China to achieve a peaceful solution, and earnestly hopes that such a solution will come about. In fact, the Government of Japan believes that it is bound to come about and does not expect an armed conflict to break out in this region in reality. The position outlined above is one that the Japanese Government has consistently taken since the normalization of Japan-China relations. There is no change whatsoever in this position.
(B) Premier Zhu noted the following: The issue of Japan-U.S. security cooperation is currently of concern to the Chinese government and the people of China. Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory, a point which is widely recognized internationally. Direct or indirect inclusion of Taiwan in Japan-U.S. defense cooperation will be unacceptable to China. Prime Minister Obuchi provided a detailed and thoughtful explanation today, and Premier Zhu hoped that Japan would follow up Prime Minister Obuchi's words with concrete actions.
4. Marine scientific research vessels issue
In terms of current concerns, Prime Minister Obuchi pointed to the recent appearance of Chinese marine scientific research vessels and military vessels in waters close to Japan, and stated that persistent efforts should be made toward a fundamental solution to sea utilization issues based on international law and within the broad context of friendly relations between Japan and China, and that the sea between Japan and China must not become an area of conflict. Premier Zhu responded that he also wished to see full discussion between Japan and China in regard to the peaceful use of maritime resources, with the issue of delimitation of the exclusive economic zones between Japan and China needing to be settled as soon as possible. Premier Zhu noted that the Chinese scientific research vessels were engaged in legitimate research activities, and China hoped to have Japan's understanding on this issue.
5. Situation on the Korean Peninsula
(A) An outline of Prime Minister Obuchi's comments is as follows:
Japan's basic objectives in terms of its North Korea policy have consistently been (a) to advance normalization of diplomatic relations; (b) to ensure that this process contributes to the stability of the Korean Peninsula; and (c) to work closely with related countries on the basis of (a) and (b). In implementing the above, Japan aims to achieve an appropriate balance between dialogue and deterrence. As United States Policy Coordinator for North Korea William Perry's comprehensive and integrated approach provides more options in regard to North Korea than maintaining the status quo, Japan supports this approach. On the other hand, if North Korea were to launch another long-range missile, its relations with Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea would inevitably deteriorate substantially, which is why it was extremely important to restrain North Korea from conducting another such launch. As Japan also places weight on the resolution of humanitarian issues such as the kidnapping problem, China's cooperation would be appreciated.
(B) An outline of Premier Zhu's response is as follows:
While friction occasionally occurs on the Korean Peninsula, the situation could be said to be generally stable. It is good that other countries are engaging in various contacts with North Korea. China believes it is important that countries work together to form relations of confidence, establishing mechanisms for peace on the Korean Peninsula. China is prepared to do whatever it can toward the peace and stability of the Peninsula. China would like to see the relevant countries making efforts together, avoiding any action which would not contribute to peace and stability. Given China's traditionally friendly relations with North Korea, China intends to continue to make efforts wherever it can.
(C) Prime Minister Obuchi then reiterated that Japan too considered improving and normalizing relations with North Korea to be an important task, to which Premier Zhu replied that China would welcome North Korea's normalization of relations with the United States, Japan, and the European Union, and hoped that this would occur.
GENERAL MEETING
1. Premier Zhu's visit to Japan
Prime Minister Obuchi invited Premier Zhu to visit Japan next year. Premier Zhu expressed his appreciation for this invitation, and said that he would be delighted to accept, stating that schedule details would be worked out between the two countries' foreign offices.
2. Hotline
The two leaders affirmed that work would officially be launched toward establishment of a hotline between both Governments.
3. WTO
Both leaders affirmed a substantial agreement reached in bilateral negotiations between Japan and China on China's accession to the World Trade Organization. Prime Minister Obuchi expressed his respect for Premier Zhu's leadership and the efforts of other related ministers, hoping that this agreement would provide momentum for the U.S.-China negotiations. Premier Zhu applauded Prime Minister Obuchi's consistently positive stance, and said in regard to U.S.-China bilateral negotiations that while the United States was taking a positive negotiating stance, the conditions for re-opening negotiations had yet to be established (referring here to the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia and the dispatch of a special envoy), with China seeking a clear explanation for the embassy bombing. China would not retract commitments made to date, but neither did it intend to make concessions in those areas where the United States was unilaterally increasing its demands.
4. Economic relations between Japan and China
(A) Guangdong International Trust and Investment Corporation (GITIC): Prime Minister Obuchi expressed concern over GITIC and hoped for an effective solution. Premier Zhu said that as GITIC could not be rescued it had been decided to allow GITIC to go bankrupt. He went on to state that China was taking into consideration the interests of creditors and that China had recognized the importance of discussion between debtors and creditors and the need for financial reform, and as such hoped for the understanding of Japanese banks.
(B) Import restrictions on steel: Prime Minister Obuchi asked for resolution of this issue. Premier Zhu said that the renminbi (Chinese yuan) would not be devalued, but that exports had slowed because of the Asian economic crisis, and that China wanted to procure at home those goods that it was able to produce. Restricting even those goods that were not produced in China was therefore not China's real intention, and Premier Zhu promised to undertake a serious investigation of the matter.
(C) Insurance market participation: Prime Minister Obuchi asked for additional licenses to be granted for the entry into the insurance market of more companies than the one currently licensed. Premier Zhu responded that work was currently underway toward clearing a second company, and that China would like to consider the matter.
5. U.S.-China relations
Prime Minister Obuchi noted that U.S.-China relations were an indispensable element in terms of the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, and expressed condolences over the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia. Premier Zhu thanked Prime Minister Obuchi for his sympathy over the bombing. He also stated that China wished to see the United States take proper measures in regard to this issue that would explain the matter to the Chinese people.
6. Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway
Prime Minister Obuchi announced that Japan wanted to cooperate in this project, making it a symbol of Japan-China friendship in the twenty-first century. Commenting that the Shinkansen system was suited to areas where metropolitan areas were clustered, he invited the Minister of Railways to Japan. Premier Zhu pointed out that the project had yet to be cleared, with a long process involved in considerations, but said that he was aware of Japan's interest in the project.
7. Greening cooperation
Prime Minister Obuchi noted that he wished to establish a 10-billion-yen fund in Japan to encourage Japanese citizens' groups and other organizations to conduct greening cooperation in China. This would stand as the third pillar in Japan-China environmental cooperation together with former Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita's "Japan-China Friendship Environment Protection Center" and former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's "Japan-China Environmental Development Model City Plan." Premier Zhu welcomed this initiative on the part of Prime Minister Obuchi and expressed his appreciation.
8. Fisheries
Prime Minister Obuchi expressed his wish for an early resolution of fisheries issues between the two countries reached from a long-term, broad-ranging perspective. Premier Zhu noted that China wanted to work toward early entry into force of a bilateral fisheries agreement, and noted that China had continued to demonstrate sincerity and flexibility over this issue.
9. Public security cooperation
Prime Minister Obuchi proposed holding early consultations between public security authorities from each country. Premier Zhu expressed a positive attitude to this proposal, noting that he would like to see such consultations realized. Prime Minister Obuchi noted that Japan was waiting for a visit from Minister of Public Security Jia Chunwang.
10. UNESCO Director-General election
Prime Minister Obuchi asked for China's support for the candidacy of Ambassador to France Koichiro Matsuura.
11. History
In closing, Premier Zhu noted that this was a sensitive political issue, and that important mutual understanding had been achieved at the time of President Jiang's visit to Japan. He knew that the majority of Japanese citizens had a correct perception of the past, understanding and supporting the friendship between Japan and China. However, there were also people in Japan who at times glorified war and denied the facts of Japan's invasion. Premier Zhu noted that he would like to see effective measures taken to guide people's actions in a better direction, as well as proper education of young people in this regard.
Back to Index