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Chinese FM Stresses Significance of Sino-Japanese Ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Tuesday that the prospects of Sino-Japanese relations are closely linked with the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and could have an important impact on Asia and the world as the whole.
Tang's remarks came in his talks with the secretaries-general of the three coalition parties of the Japanese government.
Taku Yamazaki of the Liberal Democratic Party, Fuyushiba Tetsuzo of the Komei Party, and Takeshi Noda of the Conservative Party were on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Chinese government.
Tang said the Chinese government has always attached importance to the development of its relations with Japan and has adopted a series of active measures in this regard in recent years because the two countries are close neighbors and nations of major influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the passive attitude and wrong measures taken by the Japanese side this year have brought "unnecessary harm" to bilateral ties, Tang said.
The proper handling of the problems existing between the two countries will provide an important guarantee for maintaining the sound and steady growth of Sino-Japanese relations, Tang stressed.
On the issue of Japan's history textbook, Tang urged the Japanese side to teach young Japanese the true history without any reservation.
Any attempt to cover up or distort historical facts could mislead the people of the younger generation and lead to endless trouble in the future, he pointed out.
Tang again expressed deep regret and strong displeasure for the Japanese government's decision not to revise the history compiled by Japan's right-wing forces.
The decision means a protective and indulgent attitude to the right-wing forces, he said.
The Chinese side once again solemnly demands that the Japanese side observe the principles enshrined in the China-Japan Joint Statement, keep its serious commitments on history-related issues, and tackle the history textbook issue properly and earnestly.
The Chinese side has always advocated adhering to the principle of "taking history as the mirror and looking forward to the future, " he stressed.
It will be difficult for Japan to have real emotional reconciliation with its Asian neighbors if it cannot correctly face history and properly handle history-related issues, Tang said, adding that Japan's international image will also be harmed continuously.
Taku Yamazaki said Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi promptly expressed the will to develop Sino-Japanese ties after he took the office. Noting China's fast development in recent years, he expressed the belief that China will play a greater role in international economic development after its entry into the World Trade Organization.
He highly praised the "Three Represents'" theory of the Communist Party of China, saying that such a theory is full of new ideas and philosophical and reflects the spirit of "seeking truth from facts."
The Japanese side hopes China will make greater contributions to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large, he said.
Taku said Sino-Japanese ties are now in a critical period and are facing some problems. The visit by secretaries-general of the three coalition parties shows the Japanese side pays attention to Japan-China relations and is determined to tackle the problems.
Both the Japanese government and the three coalition parties have reached a consensus on "drawing lessons from history and looking forward to the future," he said.
The Japanese side will push forward Japan-China relations in line with the 1995 statement made by former Japanese prime minister Tomiichi Murayama and the principles set forth in the Japan-China Joint Statement, he said.
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