At a New Year reception held by Japanese economic organizations
in Tokyo on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi noted that
bilateral relations fluctuated last year. While there were
developments in terms of substantial cooperation, the two nations'
political relationship continued to be marred by difficulties and
obstacles.
He said Chinese President Hu Jintao
and Premier Wen
Jiabao had elaborated on China's principles in dealing with
current bilateral ties at separate meetings with Japanese leaders.
They had confirmed the basic line for
Sino-Japanese relations and reiterated that existing problems
should be handled in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and
looking forward to the future." This will be important for
improving and advancing ties between the two nations.
Wang said he hopes the coming year will prove a high point in
bilateral relations in which the two countries are to jointly
advance the unity and cooperation among Asian nations.
To that end, the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations
should be maintained, he said.
The 1972 Sino-Japanese joint communiqué and other related
documents are guidelines for the development of bilateral relations
and should be abided by unswervingly at all times, said Wang.
Also, he stated, both sides need to enhance mutual understanding
under current circumstances. With profound adjustment and reform
under way in both countries, they must acquire deeper recognition
and understanding of each other and establish mutual trust in real
terms.
As close neighbors, Wang noted, it is crucial to respect each
other, and in particular not to conduct actions?that damage
the interests of the other or injure the feelings of its people.
Only in this way can Sino-Japanese ties develop smoothly.
Wang also stressed that the traditional friendship between the
Chinese and Japanese people should be strengthened. Solutions to
current problems require the efforts of both governments as well as
those of the peoples of both nations and organizations set up to
advance friendship.
Wang pointed out that the current situation reflects a
relationship in transition. Both countries need to handle existing
problems in a timely and sound way while seeking a sustainable
framework for the long-term development of bilateral relations.
The reception was joined by about 500 Japanese political and
economic dignitaries, including Speaker of the House of
Representatives Yohei Kono, President of Parliament Chikage Oogi
and former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, now chairman of the
Diet's Japan-China Friendship League.
(China Daily January 10, 2005)