|
On May 29, Acting Secretary General Shinji Tarutoko and Policy Research Committee Chair Seiji Maehara received a courtesy call from the Vice Minister for the International Department of the Communist Party of China Yu Hongjun inside the Diet building, and exchanged opinions. The meeting was also attended by Administration Committee Chair Hideo Hiraoka, Policy Research Committee Acting Chair Yoshito Sengoku and other Diet members.
At the start of the meeting, Maehara welcomed the Chinese delegation and expressed his appreciation for the assistance received from China in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, stating, “In areas such as trade, Japan-China relations are becoming more and more important. There can be no doubt that our relationship of mutual dependence is getting stronger. Despite the differences in our systems, we believe in the importance of mutual respect.”
Tarutoko said, “This year marks the 40th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations between Japan and China. Since the two countries are neighbors, we would like to build friendly relations.” Tarutoko continued, “Because social systems differ among each country, mutual interests sometimes differ as well. Therefore, we must consider how we are going to address issues within different systems. Challenges exist, but we can overcome them together.”
Sengoku touched on a visit he had made to Beijing in March as one of the members of a DPJ delegation for the Japan-China “Exchange and Discussion Mechanism” and stated, “I think it is important for the future of Japan-China relations to evaluate the 40 years since the normalization of bilateral relations between two countries. The past 40 years is proof that Japan and China have a win-win relationship. However, there are also issues present between our two countries, and there is a need to create a system which can solve such problems in a future-oriented manner. Furthermore, it is necessary for Japan and China to share the common recognition that there will be no benefit for either of our countries if we are unable to realize growth in Asia, especially East Asia, through a win-win relationship.”
Yu said, “It is an honor for me to visit Japan during the 40th anniversary year of the normalization of bilateral relations between our two countries. The co-existence and the development of both China and Japan are important not only for Asia but also for the whole world. I believe there is a need to build mutual political trust, strengthen democratic foundations, and improve public sentiments. Also, I hope to deepen relations with Japan as a strategic partner with whom we feel mutual respect.”
|
