Social Democratic Party leader Fukushima, who is visiting China, met with Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo, the fourth-ranking member of the Communist Party of China, and confirmed the expansion of exchanges aimed at improving Japan-China relations.
Social Democratic Party leader Fukushima is making his first official party visit to China in 10 years.
On the 19th, I held a meeting in Beijing with Wang Huning, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's top leadership and the fourth-ranked member of the Politburo Standing Committee.
At the meeting, party leader Fukushima stated, ``I want to work together to build peace,'' and confirmed that they would expand exchanges to improve Japan-China relations from the perspective of peace and friendship.
On the other hand, in response to the Fukushima party leader's request for the early release of Japanese male employees of the major pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma, etc., detained in China, Mr. Wang merely stated, ``We are doing this in accordance with the law.'' That is to say.
Furthermore, the Fukushima party leader requested relaxation measures for visas for Japanese nationals, and Mr. Wang responded by saying, ``I hope that the Japanese side will also take appropriate action.''
In addition, regarding the release of treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, Mr. Wang said, ``The ocean is shared by all humankind, and we hope that it is not polluted.1.4 billion people are paying attention.'' The two parties agreed to oppose the release.
Prior to this, party leader Fukushima met with Liu Jianchao, head of the Central External Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party, which is in charge of external exchanges, and exchanged opinions on strengthening inter-party exchanges and other issues.