Japan urged to honor commitments on ties

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Tokyo on Monday to honor its commitments to Beijing and abide by the four political documents reached by the two countries to ensure a stable and sound development of China-Japan relations.

Wang made the remarks in a video message to a bilateral seminar organized by the Chinese embassy in Japan and the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, the country's top business lobby.

Wang said there should be no ambiguity or backsliding on major issues concerning the fundamentals of China-Japan relations such as issues relating to history and the Taiwan question, adding that deepening good neighborly relationships and friendships, and revitalizing Asia are the original aspirations, destiny and the responsibilities of both China and Japan.

There has been a series of celebratory events held in China and Japan this year as Sept 29 marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, hostile remarks by some Japanese politicians and Japan's meddling in the Taiwan question have cast a shadow on all these celebrations.

At the seminar, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou said the Taiwan question had been a focus of negotiations when China and Japan normalized relations 50 years ago, and the proper handling of the Taiwan question is the origin of that normalization.

One-China principle

"The one-China principle concerns the foundation of China-Japan relations and the Japanese government made a serious political commitment to the Chinese side at that time," Kong said.

In the China-Japan joint statement, Japan expressed understanding and respect of the stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, agreeing to adhere to Article Eight of the Potsdam Proclamation, which built the foundation of bilateral relations, Kong added.

Article Eight of the Potsdam Proclamation cited the 1943 Cairo Declaration, which set goals for the postwar order. Together, the two documents stated that Japan should return all stolen Chinese territory, including Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, to China.

"It is hoped that the Japanese side hold its political commitments faithfully, abide by the one-China principle, be prudent in its words and deeds on the Taiwan question, and refrain from sending wrong signals to the 'Taiwan independence' forces, refrain from participating in any provocative actions so as to avoid further damage to Sino-Japanese relations," Kong said.

In his video message to the seminar, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan and China has had a very long history of communication during which they share extensive common interests.

"Japan is ready to work with China to build a stable and constructive relationship," Hayashi added.