Ambassador urges stronger Sino-Japanese ties
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-01-10 08:51

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi expressed the hope on Friday that China and Japan will make joint efforts to advance their relationship in 2005.

At a New Year reception held by Japanese economic bodies on Friday, Wang said bilateral relations fluctuated last year. On the one hand the two sides achieved fresh development in terms of substantial co-operation in all sectors, but on the other, their 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.

The reception was joined by about 500 Japanese political and economic dignitaries, including Speaker of the House of Councillors Yohei Kono, President of the House of Representatives Chikage Oogi, and Masahiko Komura, president of the Association of Dietmen League for Japan and China.

Wang said he hopes the new year will prove a high point in bilateral relations and for the two countries to jointly advance the unity and co-operation among Asian nations.

To that end, the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations should be maintained, he said.

Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and two other documents stand as the guidelines in the development of bilateral relations. Therefore, they should be abided by unswervingly at all times, said Wang.

Secondly, the two sides need to enhance mutual understanding under current circumstances. With profound adjustment and reform under way in both countries, it is necessary to acquire deeper recognition and understanding of each other and to establish mutual trust in real terms.

Thirdly, as close neighbours, it is crucial to respect each other, and in particular not to conduct actions which 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. To solve current problems needs not only the efforts of both governments, but also those of the peoples of both nations and organizations set up to advance friendship.

Wang pointed out that the current complicated situation of bilateral ties reflects a relationship in transition. Both countries need to handle existing problems in a timely and sound way on the one hand, and seek a sustainable framework for the long-term development of bilateral relations on the other.

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