TOP > What's up around the Prime Minister > May, 2008

Japan-China Summit Meeting Wednesday, May 7, 2008 JAPANESE

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On May 6, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda welcomed Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China, who is paying a State Visit to Japan, and hosted an informal dinner at a restaurant in Tokyo. At their dinner meeting, the two leaders discussed exchanges between Japan and China, provision of giant pandas for research cooperation, and Japan-China cooperation to protect the species of ibis, among other topics. On May 7, Prime Minister Fukuda welcomed President Hu and Mrs. Liu Yongqing to the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At their meeting, the Prime Minister and the President held talks on various subjects, such as Japan-China relations, Asia-Pacific region issues, and global issues. After the meeting, the leaders signed the Joint Statement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on Comprehensive Promotion of a "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests," which states the intention of both countries to advance cooperation in line with five pillars: (i) Enhancement of mutual trust in the political area; (ii) Promotion of people-to-people and cultural exchange as well as sentiments of friendship between the people of Japan and China; (iii) Enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation; (iv) Contribution to the Asia-Pacific region; and (v) Contribution to the resolution of global issues. Furthermore, Japan and China announced a joint statement on the climate change issue that incorporates, among other stipulations, cooperation toward the building of an effective post-2012 framework. In the opening remarks of the joint Japan-China leaders' press conference that followed, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "Japan and China, in recognition of the responsibility that we bear in the international community, must work together to create a bright future for Asia, and moreover, a bright future for the world, while constantly deepening mutual understanding and mutual confidence and expanding cooperation of mutual benefit. This is the path that Japan and China must advance on, and I believe that it is our responsibility as leaders to walk the same path and share belief in the overall picture of Japan-China relations, as we make our utmost efforts to resolve issues." Related link: Joint Statement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on Comprehensive Promotion of a "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests" (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Joint Japan-China Leaders' Press Conference