Lima, November 16, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met on Friday during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, emphasizing the critical period of improvement and development in China-Japan relations amidst changing international and regional circumstances.
Xi highlighted the significance of the relationship between the two countries, stating that it extends beyond bilateral interests, impacting the broader Asian region and the global stage. He reiterated China’s commitment to working with Japan to uphold the principles established in their four political documents, emphasizing that both nations should “be partners, not threats.” Xi stressed the importance of advancing a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and building a stable, constructive China-Japan relationship that aligns with the needs of the new era.
Acknowledging China’s development as an opportunity for global growth, especially for neighboring Japan, Xi called for a deeper mutual understanding between the two countries. He urged Japan to adopt a strategic and forward-thinking approach to steer their relationship in the right direction and translate the political consensus into actionable policies.
Xi further underscored the importance of addressing sensitive issues such as history and Taiwan in a manner that maintains the political foundation of bilateral relations. He proposed deepening cultural and local exchanges, particularly focusing on fostering better understanding between the younger generations of both nations.
On economic cooperation, Xi emphasized that both countries should continue their mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring stable and integrated production and supply chains. He urged both sides to protect the global free trade system and work together on international and regional affairs, advocating for true multilateralism and cooperative solutions to global challenges.
Prime Minister Ishiba echoed Xi’s remarks, stressing the shared responsibility of Japan and China for regional peace and prosperity. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the principles laid out in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, particularly on the Taiwan issue, and emphasized Japan’s path of peaceful development. Ishiba also expressed Japan’s willingness to engage in candid dialogue with China to enhance mutual understanding and trust.
Noting the immense potential for Japan-China economic cooperation, Ishiba assured that Japan has no intention of decoupling from China and is committed to strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges. He proposed further collaboration in areas such as trade, green development, medical care, and healthcare, aiming for tangible outcomes that benefit both peoples. Ishiba also expressed Japan’s willingness to work closely with China within frameworks such as APEC.
The two leaders agreed to continue high-level exchanges and utilize existing dialogue mechanisms to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also pledged to address the issue of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima, working toward timely implementation of the consensus reached on the matter.
