[Provisional Translation]

 

On Saturday, November 12, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who is visiting Honolulu, United States, for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, held a Japan-China summit meeting with Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China, from around 10:45 a.m. (local time) for approximately 35 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows (Attending on the Japanese side were: Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Yukio Edano, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; Mr. Hiroyuki Nagahama, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary; Mr. Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Akihisa Nagashima, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister; among others. Attending on the Chinese side were: Mr. Ling Jihua, Director, General Office, Central Committee of the Communist Party of China [CPC]; Mr. Wang Huning, Director, Policy Research Office, Central Committee of the CPC; Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councilor; Dr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and relevant ministers, among others).

 

1. General Overview of Japan-China Relations

(1) At the outset, both leaders agreed that as a basic concept, Japan-China relations were one of the key bilateral relations for both countries, and that mutual development is vital not only for Japan and China but also regionally and globally. From this overall perspective, the leaders fully shared the view of making efforts to further deepen the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests."

(2) Both leaders mentioned that their relationship dates back to the 1984 visit of a 3,000-member Japanese youth delegation to China (note: Prime Minister Noda participated in the exchange program as a member of the Japanese delegation; President Hu was in charge of the acceptance of the delegation), and that they both embody the achievements of youth exchange.

(3) Furthermore, both leaders shared the recognition that while difficult issues arise at times because Japan and China are close neighboring countries, it is particularly at these times that they need to make reciprocal efforts from a broader standpoint to prevent the issues from having an adverse impact on overall bilateral relations.

2. High-Level Exchanges

Both leaders agreed to make arrangements for Prime Minister Noda's visit to China by the end of this year. They also agreed on the importance of realizing Minister Gemba's early visit to China.

3. The Deepening of "Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests"

(1) Cooperation in the wake of the earthquake

A. Both leaders welcomed the progress made on the cooperation in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which was agreed upon at the Japan-China summit meeting in May 2011, and agreed to continue to advance a variety of cooperation. In this context, Prime Minister Noda explained that in order to promote awareness among the Chinese that Japan is boldly moving forward with the "Genki-na Nippon (vibrant Japan)" campaign in China, starting with the Canton Fair in October, and that large-scale exhibits are scheduled to be held in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong early next year. Prime Minister Noda also stated that Japan highly welcomes the visit to Japan of tourists from China.

B. Prime Minister Noda requested the further relaxation and early lifting of China's import restrictions on food and other products from Japan. In response, President Hu stated that while some restrictions have already been relaxed, China will consider the further relaxing of restrictions based on an available scientific information and food safety.

(2) Maritime cooperation

A. Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to advance maritime cooperation to make the East China Sea a "Sea of Peace, Cooperation and Friendship." In this context, he said that it was extremely important to resume negotiations on an international agreement regarding resources development in the East China Sea at an early date.

B. President Hu responded that China's stance on implementing the 2008 basic agreement remains unchanged, and that he would like to continue to improve communication and advance preparations for the early resumption of negotiations.

4. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

Both leaders agreed to hold an array of commemorative events in both countries next year in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations. They also agreed to further enhance cultural exchanges, beginning with youth exchanges and multimedia exchanges.

5. Regional Situation and International Cooperation

(1) Cooperation on global issues

Both leaders shared the recognition that as countries sharing a responsibility for the global economy, it is essential for both countries to cooperate on global issues, including issues of the world economy and finance.

(2) North Korean situation

A. Prime Minister Noda stated that, while the recent inter-Korea dialogues and US-North Korea dialogues are positive steps forward, what is important is for North Korea to demonstrate concrete actions, including the immediate suspension of uranium enrichment activities, and he expressed his strong hope that China would press for North Korea's moves which would bring the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Prime Minister Noda also stated that the abduction issue remains one of the most important issues and asked for China's continued understanding and cooperation.

B. President Hu stated that peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization are a common interest and goal for the continued efforts of the countries concerned, and that China stands on the clear and consistent position that the progress of the inter- Korean dialogue and the US-North Korea dialogue should be supported toward an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. President Hu then expressed his hope that a Japan-North Korea dialogue would properly resolve any issues concerned, and noted that China will continue to cooperate to the best of its ability.