In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru. Amid global changes and regional turbulence, the leaders underscored the critical importance of China-Japan relations for Asia and the world.
“As close neighbors and important countries in Asia and the world, the relationship between China and Japan holds significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope,” President Xi stated. Emphasizing that China-Japan relations are at a critical period of improvement and development, he expressed China’s readiness to work with Japan to build a constructive and stable relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
President Xi highlighted the principles and directions established in the four political documents between China and Japan, calling for both countries to uphold the important consensus that they should “be partners, not threats.” He urged for a comprehensive advancement of the strategic relationship of mutual benefit.
Reflecting on China’s growth, Xi noted, “China’s development is an opportunity for the world, and this is especially true for neighboring countries like Japan.” He expressed hope that Japan would join China in developing a correct mutual understanding, steering the bilateral relationship in the right direction from a strategic perspective, and translating important political consensus into concrete policies and actions.
Addressing sensitive issues, President Xi called on Japan to face history squarely, look to the future, and properly handle major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan. He emphasized the importance of managing differences constructively and maintaining the political foundation of bilateral relations.
To strengthen mutual understanding, Xi advocated for deepening and expanding cultural and local exchanges, especially promoting connections between the younger generations of both countries.
On economic cooperation, President Xi pointed out that the economic interests and production and supply chains of China and Japan are deeply integrated. He urged both sides to adhere to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, safeguard the global free trade system, and ensure stable and smooth production and supply chains.
Furthermore, Xi called on the two countries to strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, practice true multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and jointly address global challenges.
Prime Minister Ishiba responded positively, stating that Japan and China should work together to comprehensively advance their strategic relationship of mutual benefit and build constructive and stable bilateral ties. He reaffirmed that Japan’s position on the Taiwan question, based on the Japan-China Joint Communiqué of 1972, remains unchanged. The Prime Minister also emphasized that Japan has no intention of decoupling from China.
The meeting between the two leaders signals a mutual commitment to strengthening ties amid a complex international landscape. As economic powerhouses with deeply intertwined interests, China and Japan’s collaborative efforts are poised to have significant impacts not only on their own nations but on regional stability and global economic trends.
Their shared vision for constructive engagement and mutual benefit sets a hopeful tone for the future of China-Japan relations, encouraging further dialogue and cooperation across various sectors.
Reference(s):
Xi: China ready to work with Japan to build constructive relationship
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