Joint Statement Released By China And Japan After Visit To Discuss Enhancing Economic Relationship

by Mary Swire, for LawAndTax-News.com, Hong Kong

12 May 2008

In response to an invitation extended by the Government of Japan, President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China made an official visit to Japan as a state guest from May 6 to May 10, 2008.

During his visit to Japan, President Hu met with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

President Hu also had talks with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, and they reached a common understanding on various points related to the comprehensive promotion of a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests" and issued a joint statement highlighting key areas of importance within their growing economic relationship.

Within the statement, the two sides recognized that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for each of the two countries and that Japan and China now have great influence on and bear a solemn responsibility for peace, stability, and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

They also recognized that the two countries' sole option is to cooperate to enhance peace and friendship over the long term. The two sides resolved to comprehensively promote a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests" and to achieve the noble objectives of peaceful coexistence, friendship for generations, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common development for their two nations.

The two sides again stated that the Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China issued on September 29, 1972, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the People's Republic of China signed on August 12, 1978, and the Japan-China Joint Declaration issued on November 26, 1998, are the political foundation for advancing the Japan-China relationship in a stable fashion and forging the future of the relationship.

The leaders confirmed that they would continue to observe the principles enunciated in the three documents. Moreover, both sides confirmed that they would continue to uphold and fully implement the common views enunciated in the Japan-China Joint Press Statements of October 8, 2006 and April 11, 2007.

Both sides recognized that they are partners who cooperate together and are not threats to each other. The two sides again stated that they would support each other's peaceful development, and they shared the conviction that Japan and China, that uphold the course to peaceful development, would bring great opportunities and benefits to Asia and the world.

In particular, the Japanese side expressed its positive evaluation of the fact that China's development since the start of reform and open policy, saying China's development has offered great opportunities for the international community including Japan. The Japanese side stated its support of China's resolve to contribute to the building of a world that fosters lasting peace and common prosperity.

However, both sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and communication on the issue of United Nations reform and to work toward enhancing common understanding with each other on this matter. The Chinese side attaches importance to Japan's position and role in the United Nations and desires Japan to play an even greater constructive role in the international community.

Additionally, both sides stated that they would resolve bilateral issues through consultations and negotiations.

Finally, regarding the Taiwan issue, the Japanese side again expressed its adherence to the position enunciated in the Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Recommended