On April 2023, 4, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fangzheng Lin in Beijing.
Qin Gang said that today's world is chaotic and intertwined, and there are both opportunities and challenges in China-Japan relations. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Kishida held their first meeting in Bangkok, which pointed out the direction for bilateral relations. This year we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the conclusion of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and the two sides should be guided by the important consensus of leaders, review the spirit of the treaty, strengthen exchanges and communication, and promote bilateral relations to eliminate interference and overcome difficulties.
Qin Gang said that peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation are the only correct choice for Sino-Japanese relations, which is the profound enlightenment given to us by the half-century course of bilateral relations. Asia is the region with the greatest development vitality and potential in the world today, and it is the common aspiration of all countries to maintain regional peace and promote common development. In the face of contradictions and differences, pulling together gangs and shouting and pressure will not help solve the problem, but will only deepen the gap between each other. The four political documents between China and Japan have laid the political and legal foundation for bilateral relations, and honoring promises and learning from history are important prerequisites for the stability and long-term development of Sino-Japanese relations. It is hoped that the Japanese side will establish a correct understanding of China, show political wisdom and responsibility, and work together with China to strengthen dialogue and communication, promote pragmatic cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges, properly manage differences, reduce obstacles and burdens in bilateral relations, and build China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era.
Qin Gang pointed out that the discharge of Fukushima's contaminated water into the sea is a major issue related to human health and safety, and Japan should deal with it responsibly. The United States once used bullying to brutally suppress the Japanese semiconductor industry, and now it is repeating its old tricks against China. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Japan's skin aches are still there, and the tiger should not be helped. The blockade will only further inspire China's determination to stand on its own feet. As a member of the G7 and even more so in Asia, Japan should correctly guide the tone and direction of the meeting, do more things conducive to regional peace and stability, and build a genuine consensus on the international community.
Qin Gang stressed: The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and has a bearing on the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. The Chinese side urges the Japanese side to abide by the principles of the four political documents and its commitments so far, and not to interfere in the Taiwan issue or undermine China's sovereignty in any form.
Lin Fangzheng said that Japan-China relations have great potential for development. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and Japan is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, abide by the four political documents of Japan and China, strengthen communication and practical cooperation at all levels, properly address each other's concerns, promote the building of constructive and stable Japan-China relations, and jointly make positive contributions to regional and world prosperity and stability as a responsible country.
Regarding the case of a Japanese citizen engaged in espionage activities in China, Qin Gang stressed that China will handle it according to law.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues such as China-Japan-ROK cooperation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and Security Council reform. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)