Wang Yi Holds Virtual Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi

On May 18, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Wang Yi said, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan and an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations. Last year, the leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on promoting the building of a China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. The two sides should act on the consensus and take the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to cement the political foundation of bilateral relations, and strive to safeguard, consolidate and develop the hard-won friendly situation jointly fostered by the predecessors and people of the two countries.

Wang Yi pointed out, it is imperative to focus our efforts on three directions. First, earnestly keep bilateral relations on the right course. The four political documents between China and Japan have defined the general direction of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and laid the foundations for a series of important principles and consensus, including viewing each other as cooperative partner and not posing any threat to each other. The four documents are the fundamental guarantee for ensuring the stable and sound development of China-Japan relations. The more complicated and difficult the bilateral relations are, the greater the need to remain true to our original aspiration and unswervingly adhere to the principles and spirits of the four political documents between China and Japan. We should establish a right perception of each other, actively carry out positive interaction, make well preparations for events marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various fields, and foster positive public opinions and social atmospheres. Second, boost the driving force for bilateral relations. Economic and trade cooperation is the cornerstone and propeller of bilateral relations. China has accelerated the fostering of a new development paradigm featuring dual circulations. That will provide more opportunities for Japan and the world. The two sides should fully tap the potential of cooperation, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in fields such as digital economy, green and low-carbon economy, and climate governance, so as to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results at a higher level. Third, eliminate destabilizing factors in time. Recently, Japan's negative moves on Taiwan and other issues involving China's core interests and major concerns have become prominent. Some political forces have discredited and attacked China for no reason, seriously damaging mutual trust and shaking the foundation of bilateral relations. The lessons from history must be heeded. The Japanese side should honor the commitments it has made so far, abide by the basic faithfulness between the two countries, prevent the forces attempting to undermine China-Japan relations from gaining ground, and work with China to safeguard the valuable achievements made in the past 50 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations.

Yoshimasa Hayashi said, Japan and China share extensive common interests, with bilateral cooperation enjoying great potential and broad prospects. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Both sides should stay committed to developing constructive and stable bilateral relations in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Japan is ready to work with China to remain true to the original aspiration of the normalization of diplomatic relations, maintain candid communication, reduce misunderstanding and misjudgment, properly handle sensitive issues and enhance political mutual trust.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, and agreed to continue communication.