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On November 11, the third session of the meeting of the “(Japan-China) Exchange and Discussion Mechanism”, which had begun the previous day, was held in Tokyo. In the closing general assembly, DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa, Chair of the Mechanism, and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) International Department Minister Wang Jiarui gave speeches in which they vowed to work toward the further development of Japan-China relations and the Mechanism itself.
Ozawa once more warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation led by Wang, and said he was delighted that the exchanges between the two countries in the current meeting of the Mechanism were taking place in such a friendly atmosphere. He went on to say that the DPJ had managed to garner the support of much of the Japanese electorate at the recent general election held this summer, thereby bringing about a change of government. As the reason for this, he cited people’s anger regarding the destruction that had been caused to their lives during the long reign in power of the LDP government, and stated that following the consistent self-reforms that had been carried out by the DPJ, the people had recognised it as the party of government.
Following this, Ozawa commented on the task facing the Hatoyama administration, saying that it was charged with the mission of realising a mode of government that succeeds in “Putting People’s Lives First”, the theme promoted in the party’s election Manifesto, and emphasised the secret of politics is that if “people’s lives improve, then the economy will also improve.” With regard to the Diet, he said that the party must proceed with freeing proceedings from dependency on the bureaucracy, and with carrying out a review of the public election law and the political fund control law, which are currently out of step with the times.
Ozawa referred to the position of Japan-China relations within the framework of Japan’s overall foreign policy, expressing the opinion that the relationship is “exhibiting unprecedented development”, and going on to state that “from the foundation of the party, the DPJ has emphasised Asian diplomacy, and has build up exchanges with a variety of countries, but the core of those efforts is Japan-China relations.” He went on to recall that it was as a result of this that the establishment of the “(Japan-China) Exchange and Discussion Mechanism” was agreed upon at a meeting he had with Chinese President Hu Jintao on a visit to China in 2006.
In relation to this, Ozawa referred to the normalisation of official diplomatic relations between Japan and China, made through an agreement signed by Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972, and stressed the significance of this event, saying, “When I engage in [Japan-China relations] I make sure to bear in mind the words of Premier Zhou that “those who drink the water must not forget those who dug the well”, in other words that this [relationship] would never have been achieved without the enormous efforts made by our predecessors.”
Ozawa went on to say, “The Japan-China relationship is an important relationship which has significance for both Asia and the world as a whole, and the international community wants our two countries to exercise leadership toward the resolution of a whole variety of global issues. In order to fulfill our international responsibilities it is essential for us to further develop our ties and cooperation.” He continued, “I am convinced that both countries can cooperate and work together to achieve an epic-making partnership in both political and economic terms, as well as in terms of culture and civilisation and the global environment, in order that the world can prosper in peace and stability and human beings live together, coexist with each other.” In conclusion, Ozawa expressed his sincere thanks to the participants from both sides for their contributions, as well as his hopes that the meeting would bear fruit, that Japan-China relations would develop further, and that the participants would enjoy future success.
At the start of his speech, Wang referred to Ozawa’s address, saying, “We have heard a superb speech, and I was seriously impressed by it.” He went on to express his understanding for the DPJ’s efforts to make change the driving force behind new projects, and to achieve improvements in people’s lives.
Wang went on to point out, “I recognise that under these new conditions we have turned a new page in the mechanism for exchanges between Japan and China. Both challenges and opportunities lie before us.” He said that he had obtained a clear idea of the state of the Japan-China relationship and its mission, and commented, “Our mission and role within the international community and the region becomes more important with every day that passes. In this regard, cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, learning from each other and engaging in mutual support are necessary.” He added that the two parties should join hands in making efforts toward these goals.
Following their speeches, Ozawa and Wang reaffirmed their intention of working toward the further development of the Mechanism with a firm handshake.
In the subsequent question and answer session, Wang, in concluding, summed up the impact of the meeting, expressing the opinion that the Mechanism served as a platform for both countries, as well as both parties. He suggested that “Before moving to deal with issues that remain unresolved at a government level on a diplomatic basis, discussing such issues in a party-to-party exchange mechanism might be helpful in reaching a solution to various problems…Would it be possible to make the Mechanism not simply a venue for mutual understanding, but also for actual resolution of issues.”
Kenji Yamaoka, Chair of the DPJ Diet Affairs Committee, expressed his agreement with this sentiment, and vowed to engage in working toward the further development of the Mechanism.
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