| |
TOKYO: China and Japan have pledged to improve ties in a summit meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda in Tokyo.
They said cooperation for peace and friendship is the only option for the two countries. The two leaders also said they are close to resolving dispute over gas resources in the East China Sea.
Mr Hu was welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in a formal ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Wednesday. It was the first such ceremony in ten years for a Chinese head of state.
Following official talks with PM Fukuda, the two leaders signed a joint political statement for the promotion of bilateral ties. It is the fourth such document since the two countries normalised ties in 1972.
The two said they have agreed to visit each other's country at least once a year, increase cultural exchanges, cooperate in the field of energy, environment and finance, and to work together to contribute to global issues.
The leaders chose not to mention Japan's wartime atrocities, focusing instead on the present.
In terms of economic relations, China became Japan's largest trading partner in 2007, replacing the United States for the first time. Japan has also become the third largest trading partner in China.
At their meeting on Wednesday, the leaders also discussed the recent unrest in Tibet.
"On Tibet, we highly value the president's decision to have an open dialogue. We expect China to continue the dialogue, which will help to resolve the concerns of the international community. We hope the dialogue will progress towards success," said Mr Fukuda.
The Chinese president said: "We hope the Dalai Lama side can use practical steps to show their sincerity – stop anti-government activities, stop planning any violent acts, and stop trying to destroy the Olympic Games."
Mr Fukuda said they have also made a big step forward on a possible joint gas development in the East China Sea, although he did not specify the details.
As for the issue of tainted Chinese dumplings which had poisoned families in Chiba and Hyogo earlier this year, the two leaders agreed to continue investigations.
Mr Hu will address university students in Tokyo on Thursday and the two leaders will have a game of table tennis, followed by dinner.
- CNA/so
|
