Japan-China Summit Meeting (Summary)

On November 15 commencing at 5:15 p.m. (7:05 a.m. JST on November 16) for approximately 35 minutes, through simultaneous interpretation, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Lima in the Republic of Peru to attend the APEC Summit, held a summit meeting with Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. The two leaders confirmed that Japan and China continue to share a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.” In addition, the two leaders affirmed to firmly uphold the principles and common recognition of the four basic documents between Japan and China and to build a relationship in which they could continue candid dialogue.
　Furthermore, under this broad direction, the two leaders confirmed to make joint efforts to further strengthen communication at all levels, including at the summit level, in a wide range of fields, and reduce issues and concerns and increase cooperation and coordination. Prime Minister Ishiba  emphasized that he seeks to build up concrete results through efforts by both sides so that the people of both countries could appreciate the positive development in Japan-China relations.
　The two leaders confirmed to make arrangements to realize mutual visits by their respective foreign ministers, including holding the Japan-China High-Level People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Dialogue and Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue at an appropriate time, in view of expanding cooperation and resolving issues of concern.”

2. The two leaders reaffirmed that both sides would steadily implement the announcements regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products. In this vein, Prime Minister Ishiba called for the early restoration of imports of Japanese aquatic products.
　Prime Minister Ishiba called on the Chinese side to promptly resume discussions on the resumption of Japanese beef exports and the expansion of exports of Japanese rice, and the two leaders confirmed that both sides would maintain communications. The two leaders also concurred on making efforts to make progress on concrete cooperation in fields such as green economy, including environment and energy conservation, as well as medical care, nursing care and healthcare. They also concurred to work together on global issues.

3. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan’s serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and the intensification of Chinese military activities, and called on the Chinese side to address them.
　Regarding incidents resulting in the deaths and injuries, including of a Japanese School student in Suzhou and Shenzhen, Prime Minister Ishiba also requested that the Chinese government   strengthen the safety measures for Japanese nationals residing in China. In response, President Xi stated that China, a country ruled by law, will handle cases in accordance with the law, and that China will ensure to protect the safety of foreign nationals residing in China, including Japanese citizens.
　Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments including military activities and reiterated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important for the international community, including Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan’s serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and others. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba called for the early release of the detained Japanese nationals.

4. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation regarding North Korea, including the abductions issue.