Thursday, April 30, 2009

JAPANESE

2nd Day of the Prime Minister's Visit to China

Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (1)

Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (1)

On April 30 (local time), Prime Minister Taro Aso, who is visiting the People's Republic of China, answered a question from a reporter on pandemic influenza. He said, "I have been briefed that the World Health Organization (WHO) had upgraded the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. In response, I called the Chief Cabinet Secretary and instructed him to take whatever measures that need to be taken in preparation for a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office."

Later, the Prime Minister visited Shoudu Iron and Steel Company and observed a coke dry quenching (CDQ) facility. The Japanese government, through the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), conducted a model project for CDQ facilities at Shoudu Iron and Steel Company from fiscal 1997 to 2000.

Prime Minister Aso then attended the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders, and delivered an address. In his address, the Prime Minister said, "In order to enjoy peace and prosperity into the future, would it not also be important for us to proactively consider the potential for Japan-China cooperation in the area of peacebuilding, such as disarmament and non-proliferation, peacekeeping operations (PKO), measures to counter piracy, and ensuring the security of sea lanes? Based on this kind of thinking, I would like to propose here the launch of a 'Japan-China Future Leaders Dialogue' as a forum through which the generation that will determine the future of Japan and China can seek out and discuss dynamic initiatives. Japan and China, neighbors into perpetuity, have chosen to create a 'mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.' It is my conviction that this is the correct path forward as Japan and China realize their common interests."

Afterwards, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Hu Jintao, President of China, at the Great Hall of the People. During the talks, the leaders discussed Japan-China relations and the issue of North Korea. On the pandemic influenza issue, the Prime Minister and the President agreed that Japan and China would closely exchange information and cooperate on measures to prevent infection as necessary. They also agreed to take concrete steps to advance the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests. Specific agreements include: first, to swiftly and steadily carry out the agreement at the London Summit in early April on the economy and business, against the backdrop of the financial and economic crisis; second, to advance dialogue and cooperation on the environment, energy and climate change issues; third, to further enhance exchanges between Japan and China at the private sector level. The leaders welcomed that the international community was able to promptly send a unified message at the United Nations Security Council in response to North Korea's recent launch of a missile. They agreed that Japan and China would cooperate closely for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

In the press conference held after the talks, Prime Minister Aso said, "Japan for its part will fulfill its various obligations in areas such as domestic economic countermeasures and contributing on international financial issues. I believe the most important achievement of this visit has been the reaffirmation that Japan and China would work hand in hand for economic recovery and in order to overcome the financial crisis." Completing the full itinerary, Prime Minister Aso left Beijing that evening and returned to Japan.

Related Link

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (2)

Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (2)

Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (2)

Related photos

Click photographs to enlarge

  • Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting Shoudu Iron and Steel Company (2)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the gathering with the Japan-China future business leaders (2)
  • Photograph of the Japan-China Summit Meeting (2)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (2)