Chinese Ambassador to Japan proposes four directions for efforts over bilateral ties

As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou proposed four directions for efforts over the bilateral ties in an interview on Sunday focusing on the current situation and prospects of China-Japan relations under the new situation.

First, to build a more solid political mutual trust. Mutual trust between the two countries is fundamental to having a solid relationship, said Kong. He noted that mutual trust means to abide by the various standards established by the four political documents of China and Japan, and to abide by the relevant consensus and service commitments that have been reached so far. The key is to effectively control differences and contradictions, ensure that there is no trouble, and promote a new type of major power relationship.

The second is to seek a higher level of cooperation and a win-win situation. The ambassador called on both countries to improve cooperation in all aspects, and at the same time maintain a fair, just and open trade and economic environment and reliable and stable supply chain management throughout the industry chain, and continue to expand each other's overall interests.

The third is to promote a deeper exchange of public opinion. Both sides should take the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, vigorously carry out people-to-people exchanges, tighten the cultural bridges between China and Japan, and make the bilateral relations warmer, said Kong.

The fourth is to engage in more constructive multilateral cooperation. We need to bear in mind our respective fundamental interests and the common interests of mankind as a whole, fulfill our responsibilities, practice multilateralism, make due contribution to the region and the world, and respond to the expectations of countries in the region and the international community, Kong said.

However, the ambassador pointed out that recently, under the influence of various factors at home and abroad, Japan's negative moves on China-related issues have been prominent, which have disturbed China-Japan relations.

Kong said that China adheres to established principles and resolutely safeguard its legitimate interests. He urged Japan to view China’s development favorably, objectively and rationally, and adhere to the principles of the four political documents. Japan should act on the political consensus that China and Japan are partners and not enemies, properly handle major and sensitive issues, constructively manage differences, and strive to maintain the political foundation of our relations, the ambassador added.

We also hope that Japan can maintain strategic independence in its foreign relations, properly handle its relations with China and other countries in a balanced way, and refrain from following the wrong actions of certain countries to avoid damaging the overall interests of China-Japan relations, Kong stressed.